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NEUROLOGY 



EMBRACING 



Neuro-Ophthalmology 

The New Science for the Successful Treatment of all 
Functional Human Ills. 



Neuropathy, Chiropractic, Magnetism, Suggestive 

Therapeutics, Phrenology and Palmistry, 

as Related to Neuropathy. 

How to arrest Eye Strain and Spinal Nerve Pressure shown. 

The Two Forces — Positive and Negative — How they Cause Disease 

and How Cure. 



BY 

A. P. DAVIS, M.D., Oph.D., N.D., 

Author of Osteopathy Illustrated, 

Dallas, Texas. 



CINCINNATI 

F. I,. ROWE, PUBLISHER, 

I905 




■ID'a 



LiBftAHV or iJONGKt'ss] 
Fwo Jopies rteceifcu i 

JUL 19 1905 
tiouyngm z.nicy 

CuiSS (jd AXc Nut 



Copyrighted 1905, 
by A. P. Davis. 



O 



This Book is Dedicated to 

The afflicted ; to suffering humanity ; to honest searchers after the 
best means to arrest human suffering ; to those who desire to assist 
in lifting the dark cloud of prejudice, ignorance, and traditional 
superstition from the human race; to those who are willing to 
stay the tide which drowns men and women in the maelstrom of 
delusion ; to free humanity from the destructive, pernicious influ- 
ence of drugs and their baneful effects in all conditions of life, 
and start mankind upward and into a wholesome atmosphere of 
truth, something which can be relied upon to relieve pain, stop 
fever, and arrest the ravages of disease rationally, by 

The Author. 



(iii) 






PREFACE. 



In presenting this book to the world, we do so, recognizing 
human mental limitations and arrogance, especially when selfish 
interests are at stake; but we have lived long enough to see the 
folly of being "the only wise" person, possessed with discretion, 
even under the ban of the same faculties as my "brother man." 
I have striven to put aside selfishness as much as possible in 
writing the following pages, and unbiasedly, with strict regard 
for facts, proven truths, express in unreserved, forceful terms, the 
philosophy of the principles involved. I have no apology but the 
necessity of such a science — one which, in every way, when prop- 
erly applied, and strictly followed, by practitioner and recipient, 
will be all that is claimed for it, and prove the greatest boon to 
humanity ever couched in as many words (except, of course, the 
Bible) in all the ages ; for no other method ever known embraced 
all of the nervous system, with means to reach both cranial and 
spinal nerves, and in a simple, harmless, rational manner show 
how to relieve strain, waste and pressure, so as to cure and abort 
physical ills — without injury to the puniest infant or the oldest 
of afflicted mortals. I assume that the several means embraced 
in this work constitute the only complete system which embraces 
every means essential to the proper, certain relief of the afflicted 
in every and all functional human ills. 

The sciences named are parts of a great whole included under 
the term Neuropathy. This term means any disease affecting 
the nervous system ; and as all diseases are results of what is rec- 
ognized as involving, in some way, the nervous system, we use 
this term as the name of our science, believing it to be eminently 
appropriate. 

The student of this philosophy should provide himself with 
Eales and Tabor's Encyclopedic Chart, and closely study Tables 

(v) 



VI PREFACE. 

"C" and "D" for localities of nerve endings. This should be 
thoroughly mastered, as it is the best guide published. It con- 
tains much that every healer should certainly know, therefore we 
advise all to possess one — and use it. 

THE SUPERIORITY OP THIS METHOD OVER ALL OTHERS. 

It will not be attributed to ignorance of other systems of prac- 
tice on my part, for the bold assertion that this method excels all 
other methods of healing, for we have had ample experience along 
the various lines, and know whereof we assert ; and having amply 
verified this system in hundreds of cases, we have no hesitancy in 
giving it the palm. We are justified in our assertions from the 
fact that this method is the only one of all the methods known 
which embraces the entire nervous system, reaches all conditions 
possible by human skill, so far as freeing the nervous system from 
strain and impingement, and thereby opens up the channels of 
communication throughout the entire body, so as to permit direct 
communication to reach every atomic cell and molecule every- 
where in the physical organism — stopping nerve waste, reliev- 
ing nerve strain, and taking ofT pressure from impinged nerves. 
No other system dare make any such claims, for they do not do 
any such things. Why not consider all the facts, and not do on 
half a loaf? 

THE AUTHOR. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF ANDREW P. 

DAVIS, M.D. 



The subject of this sketch was born in Allegheny County, 
New York, on the tenth day of March, A. D. 1835, of religious 
parents. The paternal side was of the Scotch and Welsh descent 
and the maternal side of Irish extraction, very near the original, 
his grandparents being quite prominent factors in the Revolu- 
tionary War. 

His energy and tenacity he derived largely from the pater- 
nal side, and his finer qualities from the maternal side — a most 
remarkable combination of character for versatility, embracing all 
the qualities of both the sturdy and the refined. Brought up 
amidst ruralistic influences during the first years of boyhood, he 
grew strong and vigilant ; having all of his faculties exercised, he 
became early fitted for the hardships of life. His parents emi- 
grated from the place of his birth when the subject was but four 
years old, and settled in Indiana. His father, being a physician 
of no mean attainments, followed his profession until he died of 
flux, in middle age, not having passed fifty years. This event 
changed the environments of the author of this book, and threw 
around him strange and peculiar circumstances of personal 
responsibility. 

His father's estate being handled by individuals of perverted 
acquisitiveness, managed to deprive the heirs of a father's legacy, 
and the struggle for existence dated from the demise of his devoted 
father. His early education consisted of what the schools pro- 
vided, until later on he was educated in Wabash College. Then 
married at the early age of twenty, his responsibilities increased, 
but his energies never tired nor flagged, but by dint of courage 
and a mind which knew no defeat, pressed onward and upward 

(vii) 



VIII BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 

through all the medical colleges of his day; and he has never 
ceased to add to his collegiate lore all that time has allotted him, 
having studied every method known to the present date along the 
lines of his chosen profession. He has had about forty years of 
personal experience in the practice of medicine. His first course 
was under the regular practice, and later in the homeopathic 
school of medicine, having diplomas from these two schools, as 
well as from many others along special lines, all of which have 
contributed to the make-up of what this book is composed. It 
has always been the ■ motto of the author to know the truth of 
any system, and to eliminate the errors. ' This volume is the 
product of many ripe reflections from the long years of assiduous 
investigation of the author. It speaks for itself, and needs only 
to be studied to be appreciated for its worth to suffering humanity, 
lor it contains the ripe fruitage of deep thought and experience. 

F. L. Rows. 



TABLE OF CONTENTS. 



PAGE 

Introductory » .„ i 



PART I. 



Ne?uro-Ophthalmology T. : . .. .. :.:•:««« 5 

The Application of Neuropathy ,. ., . . r .,.: 18 

The; Forces r 26 

Spinal Nerve Treatment (or Adjustment) for Spinal 
Curvature 34 

Confronted by Theories op "Luxation op Bone" .. : 39 

Something About Reflexes. 46 

A Special Description op the Digestive Process 50 

The Diet 55 

The Limitation op Nerve Power 66 

Catarrh and Kindred Affections .. . 79 

Dislocation of Vertebrae the Cause of Disease .. . £7 

Further Consideration of the Discovery of Chiro- 
practic 92 

Pathology Considered 99 

The Cerebro-Spinal Nervous Systems 105 

The Magnitude of Neuro-Ophthalmology , 120 

The Human Stomach 124 



X TABLE OF CONTENTS. 

PART II. 

PAGE 

Ophthalmic Department 129 

The Chiropractic Method of Neuropathy and Oph- 
thalmology Combined 142 

The Ophthalmoscope 147 

How to Measure Errors op Refraction. 170 

Granulated Eyelids 181 



PART III. 

Palmistry 192 

Sphincter Muscles 196 

Are Diseases in Any Way Related to Temperament?. . 201 

Phrenology 203 

The Difficulty with the Masses as Regards Confi- 
dence 208 

Special Conditions in Obstetric Tardiness of Labor. . . 213 

An Unchangeable Source of Influences 217 

The Force of Habit 220 

Breathing a Necessity 233 

Magnetic Healing 238 



The Science of NeuroOphthalmology. 



INTRODUCTORY 






What is embraced in this book? 

Starting out with an explanation of the philosophy of the 
science of Osteopathy and its application, the reasons for its 
necessity, and its wonderful effects when rightly applied, and 
showing concisely the principles, the uses of the tissue elements 
in the body, and how mind permeates every tissue and super- 
intends the arrangement and provides for every change neces- 
sary to carry on the affairs of every department of the human 
body, we elaborate the nervous system, and show the necessity 
of the two forces which have, for the most part, the functions 
of controlling the elements in every part of the body. We take 
up a method of application called Chiropractice, really what we 
call Neuropathy, and show how to unite these two forces and 
harmonize the elements, increase or decrease or neutralize the 
excesses, which cause harmony to be disturbed, and how to reg- 
ulate these that healthy action may be restored and pains relieved 
instantaneously, and some of the most wonderful results produced 
which it is possible to conceive of, closing the volume with some 
practical remarks on Ophthalmology. This work, though not 
large, contains the kernel of the sciences which have to do in the 
treatment of diseases without the use of drugs or medicines. 

After a steady and ardent course of investigation, and prac- 
tical survey of all the pathies, and a zeal undaunted by any and 
all opposition and seeming obstacles, it has been our lot to have 
mastered opposing forces and overcome all obstacles, and we 
believe we have presented to the world the most useful volume 
on the subjects mentioned that the world has ever had, and we 

d) 



2 THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHAI^MOLOGY. 

submit it to the scrutiny and trial of the ordeal its contents will 
suggest, and know that, when honestly tested, it will be found 
fully up to its marvelous pretensions. 

We have purposely left out nomenclature, for the reason that 
disease is a misnomer, and only means "want of ease," and that 
when the nervous system is harmonized, and freedom of the whole 
body from nervous strain and pressure prevails, and the blood 
has free circulation, possessing all of its normal elements, we have 
health. The contents of the book will fully explain all. 

It is the system which deserves the praise, not the one who 
applies it. 

Man cures nothing. Nature is her own restorer, and when 
all things are compatible she does restore the harmony. The prov- 
ince of man is to direct his intelligence to the removal of the 
obstacles in the way of natural law, and when these obstacles are 
out of the way, there is harmony, health; no friction, no pain 
nor disease. 

Foreign substances, in the way of medicines, are not needed, 
for the normal elements in the body are all that are necessary to 
be used to constitute a natural body, and as this body of ours is 
made from the food eaten, the air we breathe into it, and the 
water we drink, when statedly and regularly supplied, it pursues 
the even tenor of its way naturally, and we have neither pain, 
ache, nor inharmony. A deviation and an unnatural pressure, or 
the over-use of the nervous system, produces confusion, inhar- 
mony, disease, sickness ; and if continued, death. To arrest this 
inharmony is our prerogative to explain, and this we do by show- 
ing how to remove the strain and pressure from the nervous 
system. This we absolutely do, after we measure the effects 
produced, and the waste which has been going on, and is going 
on, in the body from the strain upon the nervous system, and 
then Nature does the curing. She rights the Wrongs in her own 
unerring way. Now this is so simple a philosophy that any one 
ought to understand it to be the only proper method of healing. 

Neuropathy and Ophthalmology furnish all the means nec- 
essary to accomplish this object. The science of Neuropathy 
removes the pressure, and Ophthalmology stops the strain — the 



THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHAIyMOU)GY. 3 

leakage — and when the proper habits are adopted, Nature 
restores the individual to a normal state — to health ; and this is 
not a deception — it is done in all cases of functional conditions 
called disease. This much can not be said of any other method 
of treatment known to humanity; and this being absolutely 
successful, we need no other. 

We are amply able to demonstrate our philosophy to the 
satisfaction of all classes and to all sufferers with any sort of 
human ailment, and assure them of immunity from disease. 



NEURO-OPHTHALMOLOGY. 



A New Science Which, in the Oncoming Years, Will 

Supplant Medicine. 



The author discovered about four years ago what he denomi- 
nates Neuropathy, and after demonstrating its applicability to the 
adjustment of the system with itself, and thereby relieving many 
complaints which the medical profession could not relieve with 
medicine, he learned that Professor McCormick had discovered 
that nerve waste through the eyes was the prime factor of many 
of the so-called human ills, and that an arrest of said waste was 
a complete element of his system he denominated Ophthalmology. 
I decided to study it, and did so, with great pleasure and satisfac- 
tion, and found it all he claimed, and, putting that and my dis- 
covery together, I have a system I denominate Neuro-Ophthal- 
mology, which embraces not only nerve waste, but nerve impinge- 
ment along the spine, which, when released, produced as won- 
derful results as the other system — each constituting only a half 
a system alone. Both Dr. McCormick and myself caused each to 
change the names of our systems, and with these we have unpar- 
alleled success in restoring all functional human ills, within 
possible limitations. 

The science we claim authorship of includes all of the nervous 
system. We assume, and can demonstrate the assumption, that all 
diseases are caused by one or both of these sources — nerve waste 
from the eyes and spine — and most generally from both sources. 
The assumption that all diseases originate in the spinal nerves 
savors much of inexcusable ignorance on the part of the pne thus 
assuming. We know better, and have a right to know, for we 

(5) 



6 THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHALMOLOGY. 

have not only studied the nervous system, but the Chiropractic 
methods of manipulation, and we evolved from Osteopathy and 
the Chiropractic system Neuropathy, and found out that Neu- 
ropathy had its limitations — and it has more to it than Chiro- 
practice, which some are paying $500 to learn. Now, having a 
system which embraces and includes all of the nervous system, 
how to get at them, how to arrest the " nerve waste " and take 
off the "pressure," we present a bold front, and most roundly 
assert that we have a system that, when rightly understood, is 
destined to make a decided change in the treatment of all 
functional diseases, so-called. 

The new science has claims of preeminence above all medical 
science. That human ills can be aborted and cured when they 
exist is a desideratum long desired. That this is the science, there 
is not the shadow of a doubt; that it has every phase of satis- 
faction in it, time has fully demonstrated, and thousands having 
tried it and having been cured by it leaves no doubt of its efficacy. 
The philosophy of cure is the most reasonable ever offered to the 
afflicted, in any age or country or time, since the world began, 
and for the first time has such a system been devised. It is the 
result of the combination of Neuropathy and Ophthalmology, and 
these are the discoveries of Dr. McCormick, of Chicago, Illinois, 
and Dr. A. P. Davis, the author of this essay. 

Dr. McCormick discovered that the theories and practice "of 
the world of oculists were wrong in their application, detrimental 
to the betterment of the very ones they attempted to benefit, in 
that they more frequently aggravated pathological conditions than 
relieved them. His discovery grew out of dire necessity to relieve 
his patients, and after carefully studying the law of refraction, and 
the relationship its influence had upon the nervous system of the 
eyes, and the system generally, he solved the problem as to many 
of the causes of human ills, and set about to formulate a series 
of demonstrations to prove his philosophy, which resulted sat- 
isfactorily in universal application to all conditions known and 
recognized as disease, especially and specifically of a functional 
character, proving' beyond question its efficacy in arresting nerve 
strain directly, and thereby aborting diseases caused through 



THE SCIENCE OE NEURO-OPBTHAEMOLOGY. 



excessive use of the eyes. This was certainly a wonderful 
advance in the right direction. That all functional disorders are 
the result of nerve waste is now a well established fact. That 
the means instituted by Dr. McCormick arrests the nerve waste, 
ample experience proves. 

After due consideration and practical experience in the results 
of the application in the Osteopathic and Chiropractic sciences, 
and my own use of them for a number of years, which culminated 
in a knowledge of their usefulness separately and in combination, 
I was so fascinated and so completely weaned from the use of 
medicine that I depended wholly upon them for the treatment of 
all the diseases I was called upon to treat, and found that a large 
percentage was cured thereby, and I thought I had discovered the 
best remedy known for human ills. 

Accidentally discovering an announcement of the McCormick 
School of Ophthalmology, I at once wrote the Professor, and soon 
became a student of his most marvelous science, and became an 
enthusiast along the lines of his philosophy, and the more intensely 
on account of it so completely harmonizing with my own ideas, 
that of treating all diseases through the nervous system, mine 
having been largely confined to those of the spine and his to those 
of the eyes. Inasmuch as these two methods embrace all of the, 
means possible to get at the nervous system, I am satisfied that 
we have the best and only natural method of treatment of disease 
there is, and in all probability ever will be; and it will be the 
province of all from now on to study the nervous system more 
specifically in its relationship to human ills, to be able to com- 
pletely subsidize the whole practice of healing, and aborting dis- 
eases, by a systematic, practical application of the philosophy of 
these two sciences, of removing the nerve strain and nerve press- 
ure wherever found throughout the body, and then we shall have 
the means, in our own hands, which will absolutely make us 
human benefactors in ameliorating human suffering. A knowl- 
edge of such a wonderful discovery, methinks, is enough to make 
one an enthusiast. We have devoted a whole lifetime to the study 
of the science of healing, and have spared neither money nor 
opportunity to accomplish our purpose. We have familiarized 



/8 THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHALMOLOGY. 

ourselves with all the literature and schools promising the least 
information in that direction, have data from which to compare 
merits, and are proud to state that Neuro-Opthalmology super- 
sedes them all, and is really the only rational method known; 
which, in fact, takes in all of the nervous system — the true way 
to right the wrongs in the physical body, ■" for the nerves abso- 
lutely control it." The combination of these two forces are all 
we are required to use in the treatment of all that is called disease, 
and when we shall have perfected the knowledge of the nervous 
system, as we shall be compelled to, to practice a reasonable 
method of healing, the standard of ability will be mechanical, 
anatomical skill, as well as mental, the two essentials of prepara- 
tion essential to the treatment and adjustment of the great house 
in which we live, so as to make it harmoniously enjoyable. 

That a new science should be published and sent out seems 
necessary. 

It seemed to fall to my lot to have consummated measures of 
procecfure by which human ills may be very greatly modified and 
largely aborted, and for these reasons alone I hope to present in 
the following pages, in a concise and clear manner, what, if com- 
prehended by the reader, as it may be, by a careful study of the 
philosophy herein elucidated, and the proper application made, 
will unveil the mystery which for ages has surrounded the cause 
of disease. It will be made plain, simple and easily compre- 
hended, and if the directions are followed, the many functional 
diseases which afflict the human family may be aborted. 

When it shall have dawned upon the mind that disease is 
largely functional disturbances of the nervous system, and that to 
right the wrong satisfies the demands of nature, and it rights itself 
so that harmony exists and disease can not exist, the manner of 
treatment herein elucidated will be understood. 

To wrap the healing art in a profound mystery, and assume 
that it requires years of the closest study to comprehend the 
simplest things in nature, does not comport with common sense, 
nor with the facts as they really are. The natural way of doing 
things is the best, the only reasonable way. That some special 
thing in the way of drugs should be necessary, averse to nat- 



the; science of neuro-ophthai,moi,ogy. g 

ural adaptation, should be introduced into the body to right the 
wrongs, is inconsistent. After passing through all the medical 
schools of this country, and using medicine for forty years, and 
as conscientiously as my nature dictated, and finding all unsatis- 
factory, and largely experimentation, had the modesty to pursue 
my studies and search for light. We ignored the entreaties of 
friends, and investigated, studied, graduated in, Osteopathy, and 
found many good things therein; but still not filling the desires 
I expected, we launched into the so-called Chiropractic method of 
spinal adjustment, and evolved Neuropathy, and practiced it very 
satisfactorily to myself and patients ; but there was still something 
lacking, which we found in the McCormick System of Ophthal- 
mology, and by that, with my own method, am able to get at 
all of the nervous system, and relieve strain and pressure, which 
before was limited to the nerves of the spine and through the 
sympathetic, the cranial nerves. 

Now, the philosophy of treatment of human ills seems an 
easy problem, for the taking off the strain and pressure from the 
nervous system, and removing obstructions from blood vessels, 
and teaching the afflicted how to live, to eat, to exercise, and con- 
form to natural habits of life, are the only means necessary to 
restore all functional ailments to a normal status. That disease 
should be the common lot of mortals is no't a natural consequence, 
and should not be regarded as such. 

Every relationship we sustain to environments has been vio- 
lated by absolving ourselves from natural laws, experimenting 
along forbidden paths, perverting the simple habits nature fixed 
to render happiness, health and contentment. Man was made 
upright, " but has sought out many inventions," and these have 
led him away from natural laws. The same law that ushered man 
into existence provided a means for his harmony with the envi- 
ronments, but mankind was not satisfied therewith. He desired 
"forbidden fruit," wanted "a king," attempted to build a tower 
which would place him above high-water mark, and do a great 
many unnatural things, and so perverted his privileges that evil 
came upon him as an armed force, and his way out has been 
one of great desire, but his efforts have been all abortive, simply; 




IO THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHAEMOEOGY. 

because he did not seek to get back to the natural order of things. 
Some have assumed to get into line by assuming to be " especially- 
called of God " to believe it possible to do so, simply by assuming 
relationship with a "divine law," and they have had followers 
ad nauseam, to the utter disgust of the rest of the world, for "a 
spiritual law " has nothing in common with the natural law ; hence 
it is essential to live in accordance with natural law to be healthy 
physically, and with spiritual law to be healthy spiritually. The 
perversion of either brings its inevitable consequences, and obe- 
dience to both brings us into harmony with both, and we have not 
only the promise of the "life that now is, but that which is to 
come." As this is not designed to be a book of instruction on 
theology, but to direct the afflicted physically to an observance of 
natural law, I need give no further hints in that direction. 

THE IMPORTANCE OE SPINAE NERVE INFLUENCE. 

I£ the reader could be brought to a realization of the impor- 
tance of a knowledge of nerve influence through the spine, and 
would recognize the fact that almost every ailment to which 
the human organization is subject is a product of spinal nerve 
impingement, the relief from physical suffering might be almost 
entirely accomplished. 

No words are adequate to express the importance of this 
thought, and we insist upon a seriousness of this fact which will 
be indelibly fixed in the mind, so that, as the afflicted come and 
go, the operator will strive to ameliorate their suffering by the 
lifting from the spine the burden which bends them to earth, and 
causes them to leap as a hart and scamper as a gazelle over the 
rough places of earth. The proper adjustment of the spine lets 
in a joy inexpressible when the victim is in pain, for it surely 
relieves the pressure and lets the bounden burden-bearer go free. 
It is a matter of the first and greatest importance to see to it 
that the spine is in perfect order ; that no rigid muscles are being 
drawn across nerve filaments, causing functional disturbance in 
parts complained of. Every condition known as disease in the 
body may be relieved by a proper attention to the nerves which 



THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHAI,MOI,OGY. II 

emerge from the spinal foramina — somewhere along the spine. 
Nerve disturbance is all that causes pain or sickness. Remember 
this as a cardinal and irrevocable principle, and you will not fail 
to realize the importance of this suggestion, and the necessity to 
take off the pressure which causes all the difficulty at nerve end- 
ings. The spine should always be kept in perfect order. The 
contour of the spinous processes is a very good indication of 
harmony everywhere in the body, and yet there may be devia- 
tions and no perceptible discomfort at the time ; but deviations 
of spinous processes indicate drawn conditions of muscular fibers, 
and that condition indicates a disturbance of the nervous system 
ending there (in the muscle attached to the deviated process), and 
will cause, sooner or later, inharmony somewhere in the body ; for 
the nerve leashes emerging from the spine are spread over much 
surface, and any filament may be involved, which may end quite 
remotely from its place of emergence, and cause harm at ending. 
A leash of nerves may emerge from the neck and pass down 
through the diaphragm and end in the lower part of that muscle, 
causing slow, difficult breathing, or the pressure may be under the 
clavicle and cause singultus (hiccough), which is another effect 
of pressure on the same nerve which ends in the same muscle. 
This demonstrates the fact that nerve filaments in the same sheath 
have entirely diverse functions, although wrapped in the same 
fold, and ending in the same muscle. This shows the importance 
of knowing where the nerves which control a part emerge from 
the spinal column ; for to treat the body where nerves end to affect 
them is equivalent to fighting effects rather than removing the 
cause. An individual may complain of severe pain in the knee; 
and to treat the knee is evidence of ignorance on the part of the 
physician. The trouble is higher up, at the emergence of the 
nerves involved in the production of the knee trouble, in the 
lumbar area, and a proper adjustment there is followed by ame- 
lioration from the knee trouble. It will be astonishing to the tyro 
to see such marvelous results as are produced by the removal of 
the pressure of nerves involved in remote parts from the pains 
complained of. The claims — relief from pain — we make induced 
us to name this science Neuropathy, meaning nerve pain ; and as 



12 THE SCIENCE: OF* NEURO-OPHf HAI,MOI,OGY. 

the operator proceeds in this science to remove nerve impinge- 
ments, the appropriateness of the name will be apparent. 

. However slight an irritation may be of end filaments, they 
are important to consider, for wherever nerve filaments end, they 
express their function, most generally in muscle fiber. Muscle 
fiber has but one function, that of contraction, and contraction 
unduly around nerve filaments means disturbance at their ends, 
and that disturbance may be grave in its effects in degree as 
regards the essentiality of the origin where the said filaments end 
and control; if, for instance, in the kidneys, a pressure on the 
filaments from the twelfth dorsal disturbs functional influences in 
the kidneys, and sooner or later the whole system may feel the 
effects, and disease of the organ itself may result somewhere else 
in the body, because of failure to eliminate the effete matter from 
the blood while passing through the kidneys, which organ nature 
designed to perform said function, and through nerve impinge- 
ment where the nerves emerging from the spine are involved by 
muscular contraction around a leash. 

There are conditions where simply the deep massaging re- 
lieves the impeded venous blood stasis, and should never be lost 
sight of, and no physician is excusable for neglect of any means 
necessary to relieve his client from pain or disease when it is 
within his power to apply it. Remember that all needed results 
are not obtained by a "punch in the back" only, but are depend- 
ent upon "how that punch is made," and what else is needed to 
relieve the pressure causing the difficulty. If one finds an occa- 
sion for Osteopathic treatment, there should not be any objections 
to using it ; and if an organ exists whose nerve endings have been 
so long used as to exhaust nerve power, the advice to rest and diet 
and stop the waste should not be considered a breach of etiquette 
simply because it does not respond to a punch in the back. The 
progress of the times requires that healers have a little common 
sense, and not rear back on their dignity and say, " Because the 
hand is not the foot, therefore it is not of the body." Remember 
that this body is a Cosmos, and its demands may not always be 
satisfied with simply a cultivation of one department of the great 
house in which we live! 



THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHALMOLOGY. 1 3 

The means which satisfies the demands of every part of the 
controlling influence should not be lost sight of. Suit the circum- 
stances to the conditions involved, and act accordingly. We have 
given you scope enough to rationally meet the entire demands of 
the body in a physical sense, and endeavored to show you that 
mind permeates the whole structure through the things we are 
wont to assume controls the body, the nervous system. We have 
to do in a freedom from pressure, the lines of communication 
from origin to terminus of these filaments, and whatever means 
are required to accomplish that object are at our disposal, if 
within the possibilities of our grasp, whether physical or mental 
be required at our hands! No narrow-minded bigot, puffed up 
with self-importance, is safe to trust with such a body as ours. 
Honesty, intelligence and experience are our best guardians and 
benefactors. 

THE CEREBRO-SPINAL NERVOUS SYSTEM. 

That all the nerves have their origin in the calvarium we 
assume, for the growth proceeds from the cell ; and the cell is all 
there is of individual life at the beginning ; and we are developed 
from accretion of elements, and finally become organized into 
human beings, with a nervous system, a bony structure, muscles, 
glands and digestive apparatus, endowed with thinking faculties, 
form, size, weight, sight, hearing, feeling, taste and smell, — pos- 
sessed with all of the factors which we are taught to denominate 
man — soul, body and spirit. With all these qualities we are 
ushered into this physical world as a part of all there is in it, 
above it and around it — ushered forth with the command to 
"earn a living by the sweat of the face." This the human race 
has endeavored to do, when robbing was too hazardous and beg- 
ging not profitable; so that we are here, and have to make the 
best of it. To do this the knowledge of ourselves and our envi- 
ronments becomes an exceedingly interesting subject. We are it. 
It what? All there is, related to all there is, control all there is 
in this world, and are so intimately related to our environments 
that were we to vacate, everything else would do so, too. The 
more nearly we regard ourselves as a part of the world we live in, 



14. THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHALMOIyOGY. 

and the better we understand our relationship to ourselves and all 
other things, the more nearly we can harmonize ourselves there- 
with. And now that we necessarily have to communicate with all 
things else, as well as ourselves, through the nervous system, we 
shall enter into a study of this structure as minutely and concisely 
as may be necessary to comprehend something about the body we 
live in, and through which we communicate to other physical and 
spiritual bodies, and endeavor to ascertain our proper relationship 
to all things else with which we have to do, indirectly and directly, 
especially as regards the care necessary to preserve harmony, and 
to bring it into harmony when not through any fault of ours or 
what may come from without us. 

The importance and the interest of the subject expand as we 
unfold it to view, so that we shall find it to be all the subject there 
is to consider, ere we proceed very far. 

The man himself, then, starts somewhere, and we have stated 
that to be the calvarium, and that is in a cell, and that cell is a 
nerve Cell, and from it the man is the evolution — the evoluted — 
the product. 

We shall not pursue this product from his incipiency to full- 
fledged and rounded-out completion, but assume the complete 
product as our subject, and start with him as we find him, and 
as we are his associate and boon companion, possessed with the 
same physical properties, the same number of bones, as well as 
a like number of muscles, and the corresponding rivulets whence 
flow the same kind of fluids, live on comparatively the same kind 
of food, and each system manufactures the same sort of material 
from the same sort of pabulum, and each individual breathes the 
same sort of air, composed of the same elements, and the product 
of all efforts bent in the same direction culminate in the same 
results ; so that in every known respect and relationship we are a 
part of the same whole, and make up a grand total, all having the 
same origin, and, if we will to, the same destiny. With this near 
kinship to all that surrounds us, why not — 

"Lump them a' thegither, 
And of these maxims make a rule : 
The rigid righteous is a fool, 
The rigid wise anither?" 



THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHALMOLOGY. 1"5 

The difference consists largely in one knowing more in some 
directions than another ; these are the reasons why we differ. The 
thoughts we think make us what we are, and will make us what 
we ought to be if we think along the channels we ought to think. 
The nerve channels are media through which thought is con- 
veyed, whether consciously or unconsciously, and control all that 
is going on in every department of the house in which we live. 
How important, then, is it what we think! Before the reader 
shall have read this book through, it will dawn upon the mind 
why we are sick, and why we may get well when we are sick, 
for thought directs our every act, and these acts produce their 
product, for as "a man thinketh in his heart, so is he." Thought 
chooses the food we eat, the manner of its preparation, the amount 
we eat, and directs its mastication or bolting, its digestion, assimi- 
lation and selection of every element therein for certain parts of the 
body, supplying every deficit and removing every waste atom, and 
sees to it that we make a proper selection of what this body needs ; 
provided we have not perverted nature so long and so often that 
she has lost the power to select. The wrong thoughts — thoughts 
which turn us aside from the right ways — affect our normal and 
proper tastes and even our desires, and then we are incompatible 
with ourselves and all of nature's laws, and in a state of chaos, 
"so that even what we would do, we do not, and what we would 
not do, that we do." When we are out of harmony with any one 
part of nature, we are out with it all, " so that the whole head is 
sick, the whole heart is faint." Incoordination is a term which 
means something, and should be studied from every angle and 
from every standpoint, and when understood by us it lets in a 
flood of light upon our benighted, narrow horizon. 

The principal starting point, then, is the thoughts, and that 
all our thoughts are secondary commodities is evident, for "no 
man knows somedings till he learns dem," and that he learns 
them from some one is evident, for only his fellow man knows 
I anything to tell him, and that has come on down through the 
;ages, or existed, subject to our perception or that of others. The 
things we all have learned have always been, hence "there is 









l6 THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHALMOLOGY. 

nothing new under the sun." Having thus premised sufficiently, 
I begin again to pursue the study under consideration. 

THE CEREBRO-SPINAI, NERVOUS SYSTEM. 

Cerebral, meaning brain, and Spinal, meaning spine, or back- 
bone, meaning the brain substance which is found inside of the 
skull and that portion which is encircled by the bony casement 
composed of the bodies and processes and lamina of the back bone. 

The brain is divided into two main divisions, called hemi- 
spheres, and that division is from before backward, extending 
from the top down to a substance called the Corpus Callosum. 
There are six other grand divisions, three on either side of this 
median line, termed the anterior, middle and posterior lobes, and 
then we have the Tentorium Cerebelli and Pons, and another 
division — the little brain — the Medulla Oblongata. These are 
the sources of nerves. From these several divisions, the most of 
them named, come all the filaments which go to every part of the 
body, and through these filaments mind directs the distribution of 
elements which renew the waste and manufacture the new mate- 
rial that makes bone, nerve, and tissue, and membrane, and all the 
primal elements of which this body is composed, from youth to 
old age. 

These nerves descend through the skull to all the parts below 
the Atlas, and even return to and cover the scalp, and the descend- 
ing filaments, some of them go down into the neck and on down 
the large foramen, the Magnum, to the lower part of the spinal 
column, or at least as far as the second lumbar vertebra — 
a bundle passing out on each side of the vertebra through fora- 
mina (holes) — in as many places as there are vertebrae (thirty- 
one pair), and go to and end in the various muscles and tissues 
in the body, controlling the muscles where they end. These end- 
ings are in small footlets, microscopic of course in character, and 
consist of the filaments from the sympathetic, motor and sensory 
nervous systems, and the sensation indicates the character of the 
function to be performed; but all are functionaries of mentality, 
and if there is no interference of their connection from origin to 



F 



THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHALMOIvOGY. 17 

terminus, the natural order of things goes on in every part where 
these nerves end. Incoordination in these filaments inharmonizes 
the bodily functions, and throws the whole machinery out of gear, 
and sooner or later all of it takes on the influence which we call 
sympathy, and, like a leak in a vessel, sooner or later all the 
vitality is driven, or runs, out. The principal localities where dis- 
turbances become noticeable are the nerves ending in and around 
the eyes and along down the spine, the former the result of over- 
use, strain; and the latter, from pressure or impingements, due 
to contraction of muscular fiber, from nerve irritation, or direct 
pressure from bone or bones. 

Every functional disturbance known to affect the system, and 
known as disease, is a result of one or other of the above causes, 
and when these are removed, coordination reestablished, a return 
to a normal condition — health — is the universal result. Hence 
it should be the one and only purpose of the physician to remove 
that cause ; and the study to know how to do it embraces anatomy, 
physiology and pathology, as well as the study of the faculties 
controlling the mind and its relationship to all of the various con- 
ditions which enter into a knowledge of the individual, man or 
woman, concerned in the subject under consideration. 



(3) 1 



THE APPLICATION OF NEUROPATHY. 



Recognizing the fact that two forces are to be considered in 
all movements to adjust the spine when treating the patient for 
any ailment, we should aim to unite them so that harmony of 
action at once begins, and this is done by the hands along the 
spine, so placed as to bear down suddenly at given places along 
the spinal column. The position of the patient to receive treat- 
ment is an important consideration; for adjustment can not be 
properly done without this being strictly considered, and in all 
treatments. In order to be in the best attitude, the patient should 
lie on the front of the body, the breast elevated on pillows so as to 
be off or" the bench which is used to treat on, and under the thighs 
there should be enough padding or substance to elevate them at 
least as high as the head, leaving that part of the body between 
the hips and the upper part of the chest free from support — as 
it were, suspended above the table, and in a condition that patient 
can be sprung downward in any attempt to press on the spine 
suddenly. 

Having this position established and certainly fixed, the oper- 
ator should be elevated at the side of patient high enough so that 
he can throw his weight downward on his own hands, which he 
places on the body of the patient — on or at sides of the spinous 
processes ; one hand resting flat on the palm on back of patient, 
as seen in cut, and the other hand on the back of it ; and now he 
stiffens the arm of the hand which immediately comes in contact 
with the body of the patient, and with the aid of the other hand 
and arm suddenly presses his weight upon the body of the patient 
where the influence is to be exerted on the spine, and if the move- 
ment has been done properly, a sudden clicking will have been 
made, audible, most generally, to both patient and operator ; then 
(18) 



THE SCIENCE OF NEUROOPHTHALMOLOGY. 19 

proceed to another locality of the spine, and go through the same 
process in the same manner ; and this is to be repeated along the 
spine wherever treatment is necessary. The clicking mentioned 
may not always be distinctly heard, but in most instances it will 
be, and an immediate effect will be felt by the patient, for that 
loosens up a seemingly tight, compressed, bound feeling, which 
enables the patient to breathe easier, and the forces seem at once 
to start up which have not done so before, and relief at once 
ensues. The perfectly relaxed state of the whole body of the 
patient conduces to the better effect of the patient as regards 
relief, and should always be enjoined at each treatment. The 
neck may receive the same movement, either from the side or 
back of the neck, securing the steady position of the head in one 
position while the treatment is being done. 

The application of this peculiar pressure has a far-reaching 
influence, for it not only starts up dormant forces locally, affecting 
the terminal nerve filaments, empties the terminal capillaries, but 
unites the positive and negative forces, which neutralize the acid 
and alkaline elements, and harmonizes the system with itself ; but 
increases the flow of all of the fluids in the body, so that the 
various functions are started into activity, relaxing the muscular 
fibers and lessening the tension, so that the veins and lymphatic 
tubes are permitted to empty their contents, and stimulates all the 
nervous system to activity. The change at once begins, and the 
tightened feeling at once gives way to relaxation, and a comfort 
indescribable ensues. The pressure seems to, and does, give way ; 
breathing is easier, and all the functions involved assume their 
wonted order, and pain lessens or ceases at once, and hope revives ; 
the thoughts change from despondency to hope, and health begins 
to take possession where disease held sway only a moment before. 

There are so many effects connected with this treatment that 
a volume would not hold all that might be said about and con- 
cerning it, and yet it seems so simple that one would not believe 
it without actually experiencing it. If there be pains in the neck, 
shoulders, back, lumbar region, or down the limbs, or anywhere 
in the body, pressure at the exit of the nervous system which ends 
where the pain is felt, will, in almost every instance, if done as 



20 THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHALMOLOGY. 

directed above, relieve it as if by magic, many times at once. The 
effects, remember, upon the nervous system are felt at their end 
1 filaments, and as nerves end everywhere in the body, we must know 
that the nerves we desire to relieve are accurately located, or our 
treatment may have no effect upon the pain. The understanding 
of the origin, exit and course of the nervous system involved has 
even-thing to do with the effect we desire to produce. It is not 
simply "a punch in the back" that does the work desired, but the 
nerves liberated are the ones which produce the effect desired, or 
which relieve the pain or disease. The force must always be in 
proportion to the rigidity opposed, and should never be too severe, 
for the freedom of the nervous system is easy when you know how 
to manipulate. 

When the operator applies these adjustments properly, and 
uses the proper force (which will be soon attained), the treat- 
ments will be easily and quickly done, and confidence established. 
The operator, be it remembered, will do no good unless the direc- 
tions are carried out as stipulated. There should be no timidity, 
but the force should be sufficient to accomplish the purpose 
intended, but rashness should always be avoided. 

When the proper table is used, there need be no propping up 
of patients, for a comfortable posture may be had by the patient 
with the spiral springs under the abdomen and the chest as far 
up as the middle, or even to the upper part of the chest, to the 
clavicles, or at a point where the operator may best secure effective 
adjustment. The part of the body which is to be treated should 
rest over the part of the table where the springs are, and the 
upper part of the thighs rest on the solid part of the table, below 
where the springs are placed, and let the head and upper part of 
the chest rest on the table above w T here the springs are, lying on 
the table with abdomen down and the head facing from the oper- 
ator, and being as much relaxed as possible, and then the treatment 
will be easy and effectual. 

SUPPLEMENTARY HINTS AS TO NEUROPATHIC MANIPULATIONS. 

If the student will take the pains to examine Eales and 
Tabor's Encyclopedic Chart under " Nerve and Blood Supply," 






THE SCIENCE OF NEUROPHTHALMOLOGY. 2t 

the various plexuses will be found, and the various centers for 
Osteopathic Treatment for various conditions shown. He will get 
a good idea of where to treat the spine to get neuropathic effects 
of treatment, and all of the delineations may be there seen, so that 
any condition may be intelligently relieved by treating the par- 
ticular plexus involved, without going over areas which are not 
involved. It should be distinctly understood that, if a given con- 
dition exists, certain nerves are involved, and these deserve atten- 
tion ; and without one knows which nerves are involved, and where 
and how to treat that particular leash or filament where the press- 
ure is, and remove it, the difficulty will remain. In many con- 
ditions one treatment will not be sufficient, for the reason that 
many nerves may be implicated in a given ailment, owing to the 
complication of functions in the parts being controlled by the 
various nerves ending near the impingement of the nerves which 
control the parts individually under special control ; and several 
treatments may be necessary to accomplish what is aimed at, and 
the nerves ending where the treatment is being given may require 
treatment as well, so that to assume that positive results will occur 
as a result of any one treatment is to assume what may not pan 
out at all times. 

This system of treatment is one which requires much thought 
and quite extensive knowledge of the nervous system, to be suc- 
cessful in the treatment for the many and varied conditions called 
disease. It should be indelibly fixed in the mind that the nerves 
are the media through which mind is conveyed, and that no part 
of the body could have the sympathy of any other part of itself 
without nervous communication, and it should be further under- 
stood that the nerves which go to and end in a part must be free 
from origin to terminus to carry intelligence and directions from 
J the head-center, the dome and headquarters of thought, in order 
to convey, unmolested, directions concerning the arrangement and 
order essential to the removal of waste tissue, the rebuilding of 
new tissue, combining elements so as that every element shall have 
its proper proportion of the normal material necessary for that 
particular locality, so that harmony may exist there, and not only 
in one particular part, but in every department in the entire body. 



22 THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHALMOLOGY. 

When the student shall have compassed the magnitude of this 
science, and shall be well enough versed in the nerve supply of 
each and every part of the body, and know what particular leash 
of nerves are involved in any and all given conditions called dis- 
ease, and know how to adjust the various parts of the body so 
that harmony prevails and health is restored, his services will be 
worth something to humanity, and he will be justly entitled to 
the name Doctor. 

THE TENACITY OF PROFESSION AL ERRORS IN ALL LINES. 

It has been stated by some one of considerable observation 
that "the medical profession know less of their business than anyj 
other professionals," and the application of their so-called science 
seems to justify the assertion, and a closer observation and inves- 
tigation would doubtless confirm the truth of the statement; for 
what does the average doctor in the several schools know about 
medicine, disease, or the anatomy or physiology of the body he 
administers his poisons to ? What does the average man know of 
the nervous system ? The large majority of the medicine vendors 
know but little of the human organism, and know a great deal less 
of the medicines they impose upon their helpless victims. The 
profession has become a trade, and medicines are dealt out for so 
much a dose, or so much a visit is charged, so much a prescrip- 
tion, and the patient pays for the filling of it beside, — and all this 
is a matter of education! The people think it is right, just the 
thing <<> <1o. and the impression is rife that a physician is a neces- 
sity, medicine is a necessity, and that when one takes ill, feels a 
little out of fix, medicine is the thing he must have to get well ! 
Tin one who has become wearied and worn out by the observance 
of failures of favorable results of the use of medication, refusing 
to send for a doctor, is looked upon as heartless, a fanatic or a 
villain ; SO that forced environments and false education have fixed 
a habit in the minds of the people a little less than criminal, — and 
in many cases it is so. That every one who is afflicted needs the 
care and attention of his brother man, no one of feeling and edu- 
cated consciousness would question for a moment; but it does not 



the science; oE neuro-ophthalmoi/dgy. 23 

follow that medicine~should be imposed upon the one afflicted. 
That, having been shown to be an uncertain commodity, it makes 
it questionable whether benefit or harm will result from its use; 
and when there is a certainty of relief without drugs, it becomes 
a criminality to compel any one to accept of, and depend upon, 
such a commodity, especially when it is an incontrovertible fact 
that medicines kill more than pestilence, famine and sword com- 
7 bined ! Is it not time to call a halt on medicine and to look upon 
its administrators with "sharpened, sly inspection" ? That medi- 
cine has proven itself inadequate to meet emergencies as well as 
to satisfy the general demand, the various pathies and schools and 
healers fully show, for, if medicine could have been depended 
upon, nothing else would have been tried. The dependence has 
been a forced dependence, a sort of unexpected expectation of 
hopeful, favorable results; for it is a fact that organic troubles 
kill, and functional disorders with medicines often become worse, 
and frequently are made worse and kill the individual. 

THE REMARKABI.ENESS OF THIS SCIENCE. 

That a simple movement in the spine at a particular spot, 
seemingly not differing in its contour from any other along the 
spine, should produce such a change in all of the relationship of 
the entire body, seems almost incredible, and yet such is the case. 
From a racking pain, that almost drives one to insanity, come the 
calmness of a May morning, and the tranquillity of the flowing 
of a gentle brook. This is not only the case in a single instance, 
but there are no less than thirty-one such places from the atlas 
to the coccyx, where adjustments may be made with astonishing 
results, — the cripple is made to walk and the lame man leap as a 
freed slave from long bondage. No wonder that such treatment 
has become so exceedingly popular with those who have witnessed 
its marvelous results. 

People have gone thousands of miles to receive some sup- 
posed wand from some secret force, wrapped up in some cabalistic , 
word, and returned home happier by the long journey ; but the one' 
favored with this wonderful treatment has been the recipient of a 



24 THE SCIENCE OP NEUROOPHTHAI,MOI,OGY. 

natural adjustment in a shorter time, far more salutary, for it 
, removed a real difficulty, whereas in the other it was simply a 
change in the thought which seemingly wrought the result. 

Mysteries have been sought from time immemorial, but there 
is something endurable in this which needs not the mantel of mys- 
tery, enfolding it, to hide its merits, and it only needs to be seen 
or experienced to inspire perfect confidence, and the mystery van- 
ishes like frost before the direct sun's rays. All that is necessary 
to know is, what particular nerve, freed from its impingement, 
permits nature to resume her wonted work, and harmony at once 
become established and order assume its place! All things are 
mysterious until revealed, and whilst the necessary movement to 
restore harmony seems peculiar, the mystery is in knowing why 
certain nerves are influenced which result in the change. Assum- 
ing that the nervous system is the medium through which the. 
mind controls the body, we are to conclude that some interference 
with them had existed prior to the movement that prevented the 
normal coordination of the elements, and as soon as this was estab- 
lished, the results followed. This condition may continue for a 
longer or shorter time, and whether longer or shorter, makes no 
difference as to results. The pressure removed, all is righted. 
The study of the causes of the pressure is a consideration which 
needs some thought as to how such conditions occur. Dislocations 
or luxations are not necessarily the causes. 

THE APPLICATION OP NEUROPATHY. 

To be effectual in arresting any complaint in the body it is 
essential that the two poles be united, for this done, harmony at 
once supervenes. That nervous irritation produces contraction of 
the substance in which nerves end, we see in the contraction of 
muscular fiber where nerves terminate, (all effects of nerves are at 
their ends, either at their origin or their terminus,) and hence we 
have a certainty of tracing the source of irritation, and this assures 
us of the how and where to remove the irritation, pressure, or 
whatever is doing the thing we wish to stop. A nerve becomes 
one of the controlling influences of the body wherever it ends; 



THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHALMOLOGY. 



*5 



there its influence is felt. Whether that filament ends in a lung 
cell or in a gland, its special function is expressed either in dilating 
a blood vessel or extracting a secretion of some sort from the 
blood. An interception of the communication along this fibrilla 
effects marvelous changes in the structure where it ends. The 
influence upon the part depends upon the special function of the 
nerve, whether it be sensation, motion or sympathy; and be it 
known that nerves end everywhere in the body, and the mind, 
through them, controls all the functions of every part. Through 
these nerve filaments harmony exists, or the greatest commotion 
possible takes the sway, and all the modifications possible to imag- 
ine between these extremes, depending upon the amount of power 
needed to express the thought sent through these filaments. 

Whether we be dealing with effects or causes, the relationship 
is so blended that we are often at a disadvantage as to the certainty 
of the one or the other — cause or effect. To unite these forces 
which determine results has cost much thought to systematize, so 
that effects might be satisfactory. That we have accomplished 
much along these lines we know from the fact that effects have 
been most satisfactory and oftentimes magical in a superlative 
degree, far beyond our highest imagination, and yet it is so simple 
that one would not believe it without seeing it done and watching 
the change for themselves. From a skin eruption to a typhoid 
fever and a puerperal peritonitis, we have seen these go as if by 
magic at the touch of the right nerve, and the patient scarcely 
realize what had been done. The marvelous effects of nerve 
action, in the union of these two forces, is beyond conception, 
and needs to be seen to be believed. 



THE FORCES. 



THE TWO FORCES WHICH CONTROL THE BODY. 

What these forces are, and how they originate, are the most 
difficult problems to solve. 

That the functions of nerves should be changed by pressure 
would seem reasonable, but what particular change takes place in 
the structure which makes the difference in the product of the 
secretions is the most abstruse problem, perhaps, we have to do 
with in the way of solution. 

A POSITIVE AND A NEGATIVE INFXUENCE. 

The wonder of all wonders is, how this nervous system so 
minutely differentiates between a secretion manufactured, as it 
were, by one set of nerves, and that by another set. In our expe- 
rience with so-called pathological conditions, we find that certain 
conditions follow the impingement of, or interference of, certain 
nerve filaments which do not follow impingement or pressure upon 
certain other sets of nerve filaments, and this fact brought us to an 
investigation of the subject never attempted in all the realms of 
pathology. That certain influences upon the nervous system in 
certain localities produce drawing, excruciating pains is an estab- 
lished fact needing no testimony from any one to prove. That 
pressure or impingement upon certain other nerves is not percep- 
tible as regards the sensation is also a well-known fact ; but why 
certain influences produce in one set of nerves a chemical result 
just the antipodes of others has not been observed outside of 
my own investigations, and why this is so I pretend not to explain 
on any hypothesis whatever, except it be to fulfill the demands of 
nature itself in the human economy, and make it harmonize with 
(26) 



THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHAIvMOU)GY. 2.J 

all other things in nature. This much conceded, we would be 
understood in this proposition as assuming that the nerves which 
go to and end in the abdominal viscera have for their function 
the generation of acid secretions, and those nerves which pass 
down the spine through the foramen magnum, and constitute the 
splanchnic nervous system, have the opposite effect, and their 
function seems to be that of generating an alkaline secretion. 

The discovery of these two divisions of the nervous system 
opened up a new field for study, and let in a flood of light upon 
the question of the causes of the various conditions known as dis- 
ease — pathological conditions — and presented to me an entirely 
different view to that of the commonly accepted theory of dis- 
ease — its causes, etc. We assert that all diseases are traceable 
to a disturbance in some way of one or both of these systems of 
nerves which we denominate the positive and the negative forces 
of life. We assume also that, without the coordination of these 
forces, the whole system is in a state of unbalance, is out of har- 
mony with itself; and however slight the discrepancy, there is 
always to be. found the cause in one or the other of these different 
divisions of the nervous system, and that, when righted, united, 
the effects then perceivable cease at once. 

That the leashes of nerves which constitute the so-called 
solar plexus produce the acids, and that the leashes or bundles of 
nerve filaments which make up the spinal cord and go down the 
spine, constitute the negative force, and generate the alkaline 
secretions, we have every reason to believe are the sources of 
said secretions. Demonstration resulting from a series of experi- 
ments proves that removing impingements from certain localities 
along the spine at once arrests the flow of alkaline secretions, and 
the result, in my opinion, is, verified by many observations, that 
the two forces, when united, neutralize each other, and harmony 
is at once established and a state of health ensues. 

These fundamental principles being fully elucidated and 
properly applied should make a wonderful revolution on the 
present theories of the causes of disease, as well as the manner 
of ridding humanity of the ills of life in the matter of disease, 
and cause abandonment of the use of foreign substances in the 



28 the science of neuro-ophthalmology. 

form of medicines to cure them of their ills. That this system, 
together with a knowledge of how to remove nerve strain, will 
become the established method of treating the various functional 
disturbances of humanity, we verily believe; but prejudice and 
ignorance will have to give place to knowledge and honesty. 

A FEW FACTS CONCERNING THE FORCES. 

That the force or power which controls this body of ours 
should be somewhere is self-evident ; but what that is, we are as 
ignorant of as if such a thing did not exist. We only know that 
something we call power controls the body. That mind is the 
thing that does it, we are reasonably sure of, or is in some way 
connected with it; but the how it does it will most likely always 
be a profound mystery. That something permeates, goes through, 
and seems to be disseminated throughout every individual and 
infinitesimal atomic cell of the body seems to be a fact so palpable 
that to deny it would be unreasonable ; to suppose that such a 
wonderful structure as the physical man should be renewed from 
infancy to old age with as much precision as mathematics could 
calculate, and reproduce itself with such minute and unvarying 
precision in such infinitely compatible nicety, arrange the chemical 
elements so as to furnish adequately the exact quantity needed 
everywhere in all the various parts of the body, so that such a 
complicated masterpiece of mechanism should dwell together in 
such a tranquillity for so long a time, and in such a variety of 
constituencies, and be controlled with such exactitude, seems 
utterly out of the question, or that accident should be the cause. 
That mind does the work of arranging all this, we are thoroughly 
convinced ; for without it all would soon be confusion worse con- 
founded, inextricable chaos would characterize it, and mind would 
be compelled to leave it as a dwelling-place, with not a trace to 
record whence it came or whither it goeth. But when we assume 
that mind pervades it in all its parts, we trace its workings in 
successive steps and perfect orderly arrangement, so that the mir- 
acle of existence and life are manifest and intelligently expressed. 

MIND IS EXPRESSED THROUGH THE NERVE FILAMENTS. 

Starting in the calvarium — from the forty-two nerve cen- 
ters — mind goes out and selects an element from the blood, 






THE SCIENCE OE NEURO-OPHTHAEMOEOGY. 29 

through the capillaries, and leaves it where needed, to fill up the 
deficit caused by exhaustion from use, and carries out the means 
used, as in all other parts, to renew the elements, all these being 
drawn from the blood, all the blood having been manufactured 
from the food eaten; and after being made up of elements and 
carried — forced into — to every end vessel or capillary, through 
the arterial system, whether to normal, muscular, or glandular 
tissue, the changes go right on and the great storehouse of this 
cosmic laboratory is superintended so systematically and orderly 
that no mistakes ever occur, until some ruthless hand, or ignorant 
mentality, interferes with the general order of normal procedure, 
and in some way intercepts the communication between the origin 
and terminus of the vessels which we denominate mental con- 
veyancers or communicators, and then there is confusion, with 
all its direful consequences. It is essential that harmony prevail 
in order that no increase of incompatible elements result from 
chemical changes which result from stasis, stoppage or sluggish- 
ness in the movement of the fluids of the body in their rounds 
through the channels especially provided for them to pass. This 
causes change ; for all the elements in the body are chemical 
elements, and held in solution by the fluids of the body, and these 
fluids themselves are chemical compounds, influenced easily and 
constantly undergoing changes; but these are natural changes, 
when not intercepted or interfered with anywhere along the lines 
of transmission from one part of the organism to another. 

The heat of the body is kept up to almost an exact temper- 
ature of 9834 degrees from the embryonic stage of life to the 
"sear and yellow leaf" period, when the "evil days come"; but 
the changes culminate disastrously because of interference with 
these channels which convey the "vital fluids" and the mental 
communication through their wonted conductors. Strange that 
a harp of so many strings should keep in tune so long, when so 
many play on it and use the strings so roughly! That harmony 
is the normal status, we verily believe. We, either through igno- 
rance of the vastness and intricacy of- this wonderful structure, 
touch too harshly the vital thread, and cause dread and gloom to 
pervade the "temple not made with hands" — the house we live 
in — or permit some one else to, and suffer for it ; or some armed 



30 THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHALMOLOGY. 

foe invades it, and we permit it to return to the dust, "from 
whence it came," prematurely, or suffer from ignorance of the 
how to harmonize it when out of harmony. 

AS REGARDS THE CONTOUR OF THE SPINOUS PROCESSES. 

The spinous processes will be noticed to vary as to contour in 
many conditions, which it is well enough to know about, the 
cause and why we aim to regulate them in our treatments. In 
most instances we find a prominence in the vertebra where we 
find a difficulty or a disease point — or a soreness of the part of 
the spine, and this is caused by pressure upon nerves ending 
there; and they may be the first filaments, which start off from 
the leash which emerge from the spine at that spot, or they may 
be nerves ending there which come out of the spine higher up 
the back. It is well to use gentle pressure above and along the 
vertebra until the tender spot is located, and treat all tender spots 
foun4 at each seance. The prominences are made by the irritation 
of the nervous system ending in the muscles attached to the pro- 
cess, or sides of the process, whence we find the prominence — 
most generally. Thus we discover that it is altogether a nervous 
condition we have to treat, and not bone. 

WHEN THE REVERSE TREATMENT SHOULD BE MADE. 

The reverse course of treatment should be made in cases of 
diarrhea, or to stop discharges from the uterus. The way to 
do it is to begin the treatment down at and just above the sacrum, 
and let a strong treatment be made there, then one a bone or two 
higher up, then the next one higher, and so on until the second 
lumbar has been reached. A really better way is to place one 
hand at the junction of the sacrum, and with the other pull 
upward and backward one of the limbs — or both at the same 
time — using strong pressure on the spine low down, holding 
patient in that position a half a minute ; let body be a moment and 
then repeat the process, placing the hand on the back a little higher 
up, and so on for three or four times, ascending the spine to 
about the second lumbar vertebra ; then let the patient lie still for 






THE SCIENCE: OF NEURO-OPHTHAI<MOI,C)GY. 3 1 

a short time, the operator using gentle pressure on the abdomen 
for three to five minutes, pressing backwards and upwards, aiming 
to stop peristalsis for a time. 

HOW OFTEN TREATMENTS SHOULD BE GIVEN. 

The treatments should be given every day, in ordinary cases 
(for chronic ailments, every other day), and not hard enough 
to make the spine sore. In acute cases treatments may be given 
daily, or twice daily, so as to keep up the neutrality of excesses 
of positive and negative forces. As these treatments are the most 
salutary of any treatments ever devised, they should be modified 
according to the case under treatment; whether it be one who 
is quite weak or one strong and robust, the treatment should be 
accordingly, and the operator should know his subjects well 
enough to make his applications adaptable to each case. 

There should always be a proper position secured for the 
patient, so that no harm can come of the treatment, however 
strong it may have to be done, to accomplish the object intended. 
Whenever the neck is to receive treatment, the body should be 
on a level therewith, and the head placed so that it will be sta- 
tionary, and then the treatment should be done with the side of 
the palm of the hand. 

THE GENERAL TREATMENT ALONG THE SPINE. 

Whilst there are vulnerable points along the spine to treat:, 
we should know that certain regions have specific control over 
certain parts of the body, and these are effective in a specific sense 
at once. The treatment of the neck — about the fourth Cervical — 
affects the head as well as the immediate locality treated. Head- 
aches and all pains in the head and jaws are affected by the neck 
treatment, whether toothache, earache, nose-bleeding or catarrh. 
Then there is another important locality farther down along the 
spine, stopping at the fourth dorsal. We find a treatment at this 
fourth vertebra affects the bronchial tubes, lungs, and all of the 

upper chest region, embracing the heart, and extending to the** 

'JsL 
stomach as well. At the fifth dorsal we strike the splanchnics, * 

and treatment here reaches the posterior part of the solar plexus, 



32 THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHALMOLOGY. 

and a union of forces is made through this splanchnic nervous 
system, which, when in excess of action, and the pneumogastric 
system is deficient in action, we are confronted with boils, sores, 
skin diseases, and typhoid fever, peritonitis and all inflammatory 
conditions of every known character; and all are treated along 
the spine, and especially in the area from the fourth dorsal to the 
first lumbar inclusive; for we reach all of the internal viscera 
through these splanchnic nerve plexuses, and a connection with 
the lower abdomen, as well as the lower limbs, and the digestive 
system is wholly controllable through the splanchnic nerve plex- 
uses. Here is where we treat for all abdominal affections, such 
as indigestion, liver, spleen, pancreatic disturbances, and every 
disease controlled through the splanchnic nervous system, whether 
affecting the positive or negative side of the body. So that here 
we have a vast field of operation, and the study of the nervous 
system and where these nerves end, and what particular organs 
they control. This is the real seat of a vast area from which 
radiate - a system of nerves which constitute the negative forces 
which have to do with all kinds of diseases which tend to sup- 
puration ; and here also we are to treat for all abdominal dis- 
turbances as well, for the system is under control of two systems — 
a positive and a negative — and through the spine we unite these 
two forces and get our marvelous effects in the amelioration of 
such a variety of so-called diseases. 

When we comprehend the various ramifications of the 
nervous systems we have to deal with, and which influence such 
a large part of the body, we shall somewhat comprehend the 
vastness of the influence of our treatment in this area ; for here 
we control the two forces which have to do in all of the diseases 
to which the human family are addicted. 

Whether we regard the two forces in a special or a general 
sense, we find that nerves ending in certain localities seem to 
have control over certain organs, and affect them through cer- 
tain leashes of the spinal nervous system emerging from certain 
foramina along the spinal column. The nerves which end in, and 
control the functions of the kidneys, are affected by treating the 
last dorsal — the renal splanchnic ganglion — and whatever 



THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHALMOLOGY. 33 

abnormal condition is found, due to any action of the nervous 
system which control the functions of that organ, seem to respond 
at once, and the normal function is restored thereby. It will 
always manifest a tenderness in that region whenever there is 
any difficulty in the kidneys, and the treatment relieves the sore- 
ness in that locality, and rights the wrong existing beforehand. 
The first lumbar seems to be a connecting link between the kid- 
neys and the genitalia. 

The second lumbar vertebra has emerging from its sides the 
genito-crural plexus of nerves which have special control of the 
genital nervous system and the crural sheath as well ; and here is 
where treatment is made for all affections where the genital nerves 
are involved, where the genital weakness is found to be aided, 
and the normal condition restored from abuse or excessive indul- 
gences, and for many cases of noctural enuresis, as well as female 
ills, irregularities and painful menstruation and amenorrhea, and 
uterine difficulties of all kinds and conditions ; for here we observe 
the effect of uniting the forces more positively than anywhere 
else. Here is where puerperal fevers are aborted at once and 
absent menses are caused to appear, leucorrhea aborted, and all 
uterine action seems to take on a change at once from these treat- 
ments, and a normal condition ensues in almost every instance. 

The third and fourth lumbar plexuses seem to have special- 
influence over the lower limbs clear down to the toes, so that in 
all diseases and pains below the hips it will be necessary to treat 
as far up as the third lumbar vertebra to get salutary effects 
from treatment. Whilst it is true that nerves end everywhere 
along down the spine from where they emerge from the foramina, 
we should be sure we treat high enough up to reach the impinge- 
ment of the nerves involved in the condition for which we treat 
the patient, remembering that the pain does not originate where 
we feel it. It is in the end nerves where the pain is felt, and 
we should always remember that to relieve the pain we must 
relieve the pressure from the nerve or nerves involved in the pro- 
duction of the pain. This is a nerve-relieving treatment, and no 
haphazard guess-work should be indulged in; but seek for the 
seat of the trouble and free that spot. 
(4) 



SPINAL NERVE TREATMENT ( OR ADJUST- 
MENT ) FOR SPINAL CURVATURE. 



CURVATURE. 



In giving the treatment for spinal curvature, always treat 
at the beginning of, or ending of the curve, and make the adjust- 
ments at these places, gradually liberating impinged nerves, and 
freeing the irritation of the muscles which pull on the concave 
side of the curvature. In the treatment of spinal curvature at 
the eleventh and twelfth and first and second lumbar vertebrae, 
it should be remembered that there is danger of producing an 
inflammation in the psoas muscles, and producing psoas abscess, 
if the treatment is too harsh — severe. The reasons are that the 
muscles originate about this point, and are easily irritated; so it 
is necessary to be mild in the adjustments of curvature in this 
locality, for cautious and careful treatment is better than rough 
treatment, even if it takes longer to get results. 

In all of the adjustments of the spine it should be remem- 
bered that every move means a great deal ; for here we have the 
leashes of nerves which end in and control the larger part of 
the body. In the cervical area we have influences started which 
affect all the nerves involved where these nerves end, and that 
it matters much with the patient how treatment is made ; for here 
we influence the brain, the spleen, stomach, liver, heart, diaphragm, 
lungs, and a large per cent, of chest muscles, through the nerves 
emerging from the foramina in the cervix. 

It should be a matter of profound study and earnest con- 
sideration in our treatment in every instance, and in all cases and 
conditions ; for we start forces by relieving impinged nerves which 
end in and control the muscular system and secretions in large 

(34) 



THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHAI,MOI<OGY. 35 

areas; and the nerves are so widely and variously distributed 
that one with a meager knowledge of the distribution of the 
nervous system has but a faint conception of the influence pro- 
duced by a simple adjustment along the spine. This is not a 
system of "punching in the back" merely ; but if one in any degree 
comprehends the far-reaching influence of the adjustments we 
have endeavored to teach, there will be a disannulling of the idea 
of just a " punch in the back " to cure. It is not a haphazard 
business, for the intelligent understanding of the application of 
it answers the purpose to relieve pain and arrest diseased con- 
ditions with the certainty that does not characterize any other 
method now known. 

Whilst there is, in the spinal adjustment, a union of the 
two great forces which control all conditions in the body, there 
are, in the several localities, effects peculiarly characteristic of 
the functions of each and every nerve filament. For instance, 
if the lungs are affected, the area of the upper dorsal will be the 
region which should receive attention ; and if the internal viscera 
are involved in any way whatever, the splanchnic area, from the 
fourth to the tenth dorsal, will be the area of special importance 
to consider, and especially in cases of typhoid fever, the adjust- 
ment will be required at the fourth dorsal, and down to the 
eighth ; for in this area we have nerve filaments which superintend 
and influence, as well as control, the abdominal viscera, so that 
the liver, stomach and intestinal canal are affected by the adjust- 
ments anywhere in the splanchnic area. At the eleventh dorsal, 
the female organs are affected, and on down to the second lumbar 
vertebra, so that to know how to adjust the spine for given con- 
ditions the nervous system should be carefully studied. 

The twelfth dorsal area is of the most importance when there 
are kidney troubles ; for it is from this area that nerves emanate 
which control the functions of the kidneys ; and when the proper 
adjustments are made in this region, much good results, and many 
diseased conditions of these organs yield with surprising quick- 
ness and most satisfactory results. 

About the first lumbar we get results from chronic constipated 
conditions with marvelous rapidity, and the proper treatment 



2,6 THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHALMOLOGY. 

there is better than a physic, for it is generally lasting. Then we 
pass on to the second, and there we influence the genital organs 
for good, often relieving chronic ailments which have stood the 
fire of medication without response for years; so that we mean 
something by this spinal adjustment treatment, and no one is 
properly a scientific manipulator who does not understand how 
to adjust the spine, even if all taught by Osteopaths has been 
applied; for there is nothing comparable in osteopathic manipu- 
lations which so effectually accomplishes the purpose as this does ; 
for no one in Osteopathy has ever known how to apply tHese 
treatments but those who have taken special instructions therein 
from what Dr. Parker calls Chiropractic ; and the Osteopaths are 
not noted for adopting anything except what purports to have 
come from Dr. Still ! 

Any one who will carefully study the nervous system which 
emerges from the spine, beginning at the base of the skull, and 
follew the terminal nerve filaments to their endings, and see 
what their special, individual and general functions are, can not 
help but be imbued with the importance of their place in the 
human economy, and their relationship to functional control of 
the various parts to which they go, and in which they terminate 
(for be it understood that nerve influence is observed only at 
the beginnings and endings) ; so that a special consideration of 
their perfect freedom is of the first and greatest importance to 
consider. 

Whilst the "life of man is in the blood," the control of 
every element in the blood inheres in the nervous system ; for the 
nerves are the media through which mind controls, they being 
so arranged and distributed that every molecule in the body is, 
in some way, connected with nerve endings, and every capillary 
and every pore in the walls of all the capillaries are in direct con- 
tact with the endings of these nerve footlets, and through these all 
direction is made as regards execution of function in every part 
of the body. So we see that Nature has not been remiss in caring 
for this body of ours, intelligently and constantly, from the very 
incipiency of vitality to maturity and the decline of old age, con- 
stantly superintending every department of the great house in 



THE SCIENCE OF NEUROOPHTHALMOLOGY. 



37 



which we live, and seeing to it that every detail is carried out 
with the most unerring precision. The influences which control 
this body may be indexed by any one who cares to study the 
anatomy of the nervous system and trace its filaments to their 
various endings. This constitutes the kind of intelligence neces- 
sary to be adept in the application of this science. It adds to 
one's ability in Osteopathy as well, and places one in a position 
to relieve suffering humanity under any and all circumstances, 
and qualifies the individual to understanding^ ameliorate suf- 
fering. 

Those who simply guess at causes, and guess at remedies, 
are acting unworthy any profession. There will never be a time 
when this science will not be in demand; for it applies to all 
conditions where the nervous system is involved, and when intel- 
ligently applied, will do good. We earnestly suggest that every 
one who claims to be a physician in any sense be posted in the 
knowledge of the anatomy and functions of the nervous system, 
so that success may stand out and be achieved, and all who receive 
this treatment may be absolutely benefited thereby. Many who 
practice medicine, and fail to give relief, would do well to con- 
sider this science. 



THE ABSOLUTE REUABIUTY OF THIS SCIENCE. 



The reason this science may be relied upon is that it proves 
itself by its results. The means instituted to accomplish the 
purposes intended are in accord with the demand. The necessities 
in each case are met with a certainty never before attempted 
by anything in the healing art, unless it be Surgery, and that is 
often unsatisfactory in more ways than one — sometimes ends in 
death, and sometimes fails in purpose, and does harm by change 
or a loss of tissue. This science can not possibly do harm, prop- 
erly applied, in any instance. 

Medicines are uncertain and dangerous in many instances, 
and doubtful in all conditions. The trials and changes in kinds 
and sizes of doses are evidence of a lack of confidence as well 
as of reliability in their effects, and there is no relationship 



38 THE SCIENCE CO* NEURO-OPHTHALMOI.OGY. 

between causes of disease and the remedies taken as medicines, 
to the cure of the affection, hence unphilosophic and irrational 
to say the least ; and their known uncertainty and harmfulness, in 
so many cases where used, is prima facie evidence that they are 
not the thing to use, and being a foreign substance renders them 
incompatible in all cases and conditions. 

It is not so with this science, for, when the nerve waste is 
stopped and the pressure is removed from the vessels involved, 
we know that the thing is done that ought to have been done. 
Inasmuch as there can be no disease when the nervous system 
is unimpinged and the elements of the nervous system are in 
their proper proportion, it is evidence incontrovertible that when 
the system is diseased in any way, and its functions are disturbed, 
all we are required to do to adjust everything to rights is to 
take off the strain or pressure which caused the difficulty, and 
harmony is established and nature performs her normal function. 

There is no uncertainty in this method, and disease need not 
be looked upon with dread when the causes are known and the 
means of removing the causes are at hand to restore the harmony. 
The knowledge of how to do the work qualifies the individual 
to do the work and to relieve the strain and pressure, and that 
being all that is proper to do, there can be no doubt about results ; 
for when these conditions are righted, health invariably comes 
to the individual, provided always that the " limit angle " has 
not passed where restoration is impossible ; for it will be under- 
stood that everything earthly has its limit angle. There is a limit 
to the power of endurance even in things without life, and all 
things with life are perpetuated by certain assimilable accretions 
or substances which contain the elements of renewal, or the force 
or power exhausts, and that exhaustion is in direct ratio to 
the deficit of supplies. 



CONFRONTED BY THEORIES OP "LUXATION 

OF BONE? 



It became a part of the early teaching of Osteopathy and 
Chiropractic sciences to assume that the " sole cause " of disease 
originated in " partial " or " complete luxation of bone or bones." 
The Osteopath taught that the "atlas," the "axis," the "hip 
joint " and the ** ribs " were out of place, turned up, out or in, 
and were pressing on some blood-vessel, nerve or tissue, and it 
demanded special attention, or the lameness, sickness or pain would 
never get well. 

The Chiropractic came upon the stage with a great show 
of spines, all disjointed or " anchylosed," and with zeal character- 
istic of the thought, advocated the idea that " some spinal verte- 
bra was out of line, and impinging upon some nerve or nerves, 
and nothing would relieve the afflicted mortal but to have his 
spine adjusted." 

These special representatives of the two "bone doctors" — 
Osteopaths and Chiropractics — have so taught their students 
accordingly. We were the recipients of these ideas — poured 
into our thought-box, and with much fervor by the representative 
heads of these so-called sciences — and to openly deny their 
notions while a student would have incited the ire of their equi- 
librium to that extent that some other and more congenial hab- 
itation would have been more tranquil for the time being at least. 
So we sat still as an humble student, and suffered such teaching 
to flow uninterruptedly from the " famous discoverers " of these 
marvelous sciences, and wondered what would be the final out- 
come, and we found out ; learned what these " masters of their 
discoveries " had to say ; watched in silent awe and intense gaze 
when the attempt was made to " demonstrate " their theories of 
the supposed causes of diseases — from these sages of the cen- 

(39) 



40 THE SCIENCE OF NEUR0-0PHTHALM0L0GY. 

turies — promulgating the new philosophy of the manner advo- 
cated by both, " adjusting the supposed luxations " — the supposed 
causes all the ages had failed to discover, the sole causes of human 
ills. It is strange that both attributed the same thing as the 
cause ; but both had a diametrically opposite manner of remedying 
the difficulty, and one went all over the body, and took in bone, 
muscles and nerves, and the other confined himself to the spine, 
and " anchylosed bones " and " impinged nerves " ! Both were 
equally zealous of his method and theory being the only right 
one. 

That these two sciences are based upon the same philosophy- 
can not be denied; but each of the claimants of the discoveries 
certainly have the one and the same philosophy, and only a dif- 
ferent method of applying it, and as the difference of treatment 
produces, many times, a different effect, it can be truly said that 
they seem like entirely different sciences ; for it is absolutely 
true that one might receive the teachings of the one and know 
nothing as to how to apply the treatment of the other, to accom- 
plish an expression of the same philosophy — " that of freedom 
of the nervous system." Neither would the one be familiar with 
setting any joints but the supposed luxations of the spines, while 
he would not pose as a " setter of other joints — ribs, hips," et al. 
One being called an Osteopath and the other a Chiropractic, this 
is one of the philosophies which admit of two ways of being 
expressed, and neither one being sufficient in expression or appli- 
cation to begin to satisfy the absolute demands of the possessor 
of either, nor by the one who has both and is familiar with all 
they both claim. 

Whilst there is indescribable merit in both of these sciences, 
and each has an important place, and without them there is an 
unfilled " niche " in the curriculum of treatment, we are not so 
circumscribed in our limitations and compass of the sciences of 
healing as to assume that even they include all that is necessary 
to know how to stop all progress, or to embrace all the causes of 
human ills ; that each may be advantageously useful, and accom- 
plish much good, relieve much suffering, take off the " pressure " 
from many nerves, arrest many pathological conditions, and bring 



THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHALMOLOGY. 4 1 

joy and gladness to many afflicted mortals; yet there is some of 
the nervous system which these systems are inadequate to affect 
in any way directly, and leave them for other means to be used 
to wholly embrace all of the nervous system of this body of ours. 
So that to be panoplied with a full armamentarium for all con- 
tingencies we would most earnestly advise the consideration of 
a means of cure, with the others mentioned, a method of " stop- 
ping waste " — " nerve waste," " nerve strain " — which is not 
accomplished by either Osteopathy or Chiropractic. This means 
is found in properly applied Neuro-Ophthalmology. 

In order to be a healer, in the strict sense of the term, the 
mind should be stored with a thorough knowledge of the human 
structure — its anatomy, pathology, and phrenology, psychology, 
and temperaments of the human family. To depend upon the 
merits exclusively of either of the so-called sciences of healing, 
and become an advocate of only one idea, of one way only, to 
set to rights this complicated cosmos, when wrong, savors too 
much of doing all the housework with a broom. It might be 
cleared of dust, but mankind has use for his dust for a while. 
The proper arrangement of his molecules is the very thing needed 
for health. Study him as a cosmos, and learn how to adjust 
him under all the varied circumstances under which he is, or 
is likely to be placed, and then you will be prepared to meet the 
demands all round. 

The Osteopaths have grown to be an immense throng, and 
have thrust their philosophy into almost every civilized country 
on the globe, and with untiring zeal they urge its claims. The 
Chiropractic science came later, and with greater pretensions of 
superiority, but slower growth. It certainly has deserved merit 
in it; but, like Osteopathy, it needs to be revised, and the false 
theories eliminated therefrom, and the true status fully explained, 
and freed from the narrow conceptions of its founder that " lux- 
ations are found and adjusted " and thereby all diseases are 
dispelled. The tendency of all unlearned founders of a science 
is to carry the thought of their theories too far into the myste- 
rious, and having but a limited knowledge of things in general, 
are liable to exaggerate facts and indulge in overdrawn hypotheses 



42 the science oe neuro-ophthalmology. ; 

which investigation and careful scrutiny will not sanction. We 
have had no little experience along the lines of these philosophies, 
and whilst the principles are in the main correct, yet neither the 
founders of Osteopathic nor Chiropractic science comprehend the 
true status of their theories, and have not explained why their 
manipulations result in such physical changes when applied in 
their peculiar manner. The clicking resulting from adjustment 
can never be shown to be " that bone has been thrown in place," 
as they so strenuously maintain. 

THE KEY TO THIS PHILOSOPHY OE HEAUNG. 

In another part of this work we have tried to show that there 
are two forces which govern the physical body when in a normal 
condition and all its functions are properly performed. Whether 
the reader believes this or not, it is so, nevertheless! The one 
Positive, the other Negative; one a generator of the acids, the 
other the generator of the alkalies, and these being controlled by 
the sympathetic nervous system, one can very readily under- 
stand, when an interference of the functions of any of the fila- 
ments of this system of nerves takes place, there is manifest a 
disturbance at the terminus of these filaments, demonstrating that 
an interruption interferes with nerve function, as it is termed, 
and the effects are solely dependent upon the ratio of disturbance 
of the nerves or nerve fibers involved therein. The disturbance 
produces chemical changes in the nerve structure, and thereby 
changes the force of the dynamic power, simply because the 
elements of the media are changed (nerve substance). We do 
not understand that there is any power in the nerve — any more 
in comparison than there is in a wire which conveys the dynamic 
power which moves, through electricity, a weight millions of 
times heavier than the wire itself. It will be understood that 
nerves are only the media through which power is conveyed, mind, 
will, either conscious or subconscious, being the power. Hence 
there is no reason in assuming that there is a pent-up, inherent 
power to draw from in the physical organism. Nerve exhaustion 
simply means, according to my philosophy, decrease of chemical 



the science; of neuro-ophthalmology. 43 

elements in the nerve itself from over-use, leaving the media 
deficient of mental conductibility of mental force — mind, expres- 
sion. It is a known fact that when the whole nervous system 
is exhausted, there is a weakened exhaustion of the whole nervous 
function thereof. Why not individually as well ? Think, reason. 
If you use an organ too much, do you not perceive its exhaustion ? 
[What else is it but a result of used-up elements in the nerve 
itself? Thus the medium becomes impaired, and needs to be 
renewed of wasted elements to be in statu quo. No argument 
can disprove the truth of this philosophy nor overturn the reason- 
ing here presented ; and it will be true as long as time lasts. 

There is no power in a dynamo, but it generates power. This 
power is created by friction; the power is electricity, and this is 
conducted through wire. This wire must be a conductor or the 
power would never leave the dynamo. This is the case as regards 
the power which moves this body — mind ; and mind is rendered 
active by systematic demands suggested by a power outside of 
the body, an inexplainable necessity which conduces to the har- 
mony of the elements and functions of the human body. When 
these functions are performed by normal suggestions, there is 
harmony, and when mental friction takes the rule, we have dis- 
ease — inharmony. 

This may be illustrated in the case of the business man. Let 
all the energies be directed to a particular pursuit, using every 
faculty of his mental caliber in the direction of its accomplish- 
ment, giving the nerves which go to and end in his stomach no 
time to perform their function, and it will not be long until the 
food fails of digestion, and that individual complains of indiges- 
tion. The proposition might be enlarged, and the larger per cent, 
of human ills shown to originate the same way. 

It will be understood that there exists no power in the nerve 
itself any more than any other part of the body of the same size ; 
but the power is mind — that is the dynamo which runs the 
machinery — the nervous system being the media, the conducting 
wires as it were, to transmit the power. What power there is in 
mind can not be measured; but whatever force is transmitted 
can be measured, the same as gas, electricity or steam. What we 






44 THE SCIENCE OP NEUROOPHTHAI,MOI,OGY 

call nerve power can be, and is measured, and the amount definitely 
determined, so that, knowing the parts at work, we may know* 
the ability or capacity to perform the labor allotted to them in 
a given time by a given quantity of nerve filaments used in a 
given locality. If not, why not? 

That the nerves are not the power, we may know by com- 
parison with electrical force; for a power sufficient to move a 
large weight passes through a wire insignificantly small in com- 
parison to the weight, for many tons are moved through a wire 
not larger than a common cambric needle, and the wire does not 
seem to be affected in the least ; but be it understood that the wire 
must be a conductor; that is, must have the elements of con- 
ductibility in it. 

Nature is continually demonstrating the fact that affinity is 
a product of certain chemical constituents, in a given quantity, 
in a given thing, in order that all the elements may harmonize 
(live in* peace with each other) ; and this law is so exact, that 
when disproportion gets in the way, there is destruction of the 
harmony, and not infrequently of the organized substance, so 
that the law is universal. Why not recognize it in the human 
body? On any other hypothesis, how can any one explain why 
it is that in certain localities of the alimentary canal there are 
acid secretions generated, and in certain other parts there are 
alkaline secretions generated ? I say " generated," for they are, 
by direction of mind through the nerve filaments ending in them, 
ordering certain secretions withdrawn from the blood as it flows 
through the glands. It will be observed that the same kind of 
fluid passes in and through all the glandular system ; but that in 
some particular glands one kind of secretion is drawn out of 
the blood, while in another gland an entirely different kind flows 
therefrom. The structure of the glands do not account for these 
differences in the excreta from the blood any more than the same 
phenomena in the capillaries taking place to supply the demands 
of the surrounding tissue; for in one place we have carbon and 
phosphates, and in another lime and sulphur, and in another 
soda and lime. There is no other reasonable hypothesis than 
that mind superintends all the processes of growth and decay 




the; science of neuro-ophthai,moi<ogy. 45 

throughout the entire body, and, in fact, throughout the whole 
universe of matter, and all things terrestrial and celestial are abso- 
lutely controlled by mind. The rolling billows of the mad old 
ocean have their bounds ; the icy regions of the North are stayed 
by an unseen power, and the tides come and go with the regu- 
larity of day and night, and an unseen power holds the earth 
in a balance which is a wonder incomprehensible. Then why 
attribute the government of this thing made " in the image of its 
Creator " to a chaos of incongruities and chance ? 

To understand these forces enables one to deal intelligently 
with his own and all other human bodies. To assume that the 
liver, the lungs, the heart, the kidneys, the diaphragm, or any 
other function or organ controls this body, is surely assumed 
ignorance. 






SOMETHING ABOUT REFLEXES. 



Those emerging from the level of the second sacral to the 
plantar. The epigastric, or abdominal, from the sixth to the 
eleventh dorsal. The genital from the second and fourth lumbar. 
The scapular from the fifth cervical to the first dorsal. 

The musculotendinous reflexes are ones which produce the 
clonic spasms, and are the fifth lumbar and first sacral. We 
have the knee-jerk from the third and fourth lumbar. 

The flexors and extensors of upper extremities are the sixth 
and seventh cervical. We have the spinal center, complex centers, 
at the sixth cervical, and second dorsal. 

The sexual center at the second lumbar. 

The vesical and rectal through the third, fourth and fifth 
sacral. 

The vital center is supposed to be between the medullar and 
the fourth cervical. 

Pain in back of head from third cervical, and also pain in 
ear from this plexus. Pain in sterno-clavicular region from 
fourth and fifth cervical. Shoulder, arm and brachial region 
from the sixth and seventh cervical and first dorsal. 

The upper six vertebrae in dorsal region, corresponding 
pains are felt inside of the corresponding vertebra, and treatment 
should be made there to relieve. The nerves emerging from these 
vertebrae supply the intercostals, skin and the epigastric area, 
hypogastric, umbilical and abdomen down to the iliac area, for the 
nerves emerging from the spine down as low as the twelfth control 
the muscular tissue in front of them. Those emerging from the 
lumbar area supply ilio-hypogastric, ilio-genital, ilio-crural, and 
anterio-crural area, and pains referred to in the internal saphenous 
nerve, as far as the ball of the big toe, may be attributed to 
(46) 



THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHAI,MOI,OGY. 4^ 

have their origin in the lumbar area, and treatment should be in 
that region. 

It is a matter of considerable importance to remember that 
we have caries of the spine, and where there is caries of the spine 
in the region of the twelfth dorsal and first lumbar, and a con- 
stricting or drawing pain or pains around the body in that region, 
with tenderness there, we are liable to find a psoas abscess, and 
the pus will trickle down through the sheath of the psoas muscle, 
pointing in the groin, or femoral area, through the fascia of the 
muscle, or through the ischio-rectal fascia, or through the great 
sacro-sciatica foramen, or through the quadratus lumborum mus- 
cle into the lumbar region, or it may follow the fascia of the 
psoas muscle down to the ending of that muscle at the lesser 
trochanter. The opening to the pus may be reached through 
either place mentioned above — where the abscess is found to 
point — and should be let out. 

REGARDING HOW MUCH TO TREAT PATIENTS. 

It will generally be noticed when any disease is troubling 
any one, that soreness at the sides of the spinous processes from 
whence the nerves supplying the parts diseased, a tenderness or 
soreness there, will be felt by the person afflicted, when gentle 
pressure is applied there, by the operator, or any one else. When 
there is no soreness along the spine, there is not apt to be any 
trouble at the end of the nerves emerging from spinous foramen, 
and there will not be needed any treatment of the spine; but 
should there be, treatment is to be continued and repeated until 
all such soreness subsides. This treatment — adjustment — may 
be repeated every day, or every other day, until patient is entirely 
freed from soreness. 

Diarrheic conditions may be absolutely cured by pressure 
and raising the lower limbs at the same time as a counter pres- 
sure, holding the limbs up while the patient lies on the stomach 
or front side of the body, and the operator places thumb on 
one side of the spine down next to the sacrum, and fingers on 
other side of spine, using pressure as the lower limbs are being 



48 THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHAI<MOI,OGY. 

raised — firmly, steadily, gently, of course — and then lower the 
limbs to a level, and move the thumb and fingers one vertebra 
higher up the spine, and thus include all the lumbar area in the 
treatment. Always treat upward for the arrest of any and all 
discharges from the body in that region. The same effect may 
be had by letting the patient lie on the back (and lifting patient), 
with fingers of both hands touching spines on either side in 
lumbar area. Lift body strongly with fingers thus placed, slowly 
and up to a gentle curve, then letting patient straighten out, and 
repeat once or twice. This does the work — cures diarrhea. 
Letting patient lie on the side while the fingers are placed just 
above the sacrum, and one limb drawn strongly backward, and 
go up the spine as before directed, will accomplish the same 
purpose. There is no better remedy than this ever tried. Usu- 
ally one treatment is sufficient to arrest the difficulty. 

A DESIDERATUM OF SPECIAL IMPORTANCE. 

That the " two forces " claimed as a basis of the cause oT 
disease is true, we submit the following facts : That when spinal 
vertebrae are out of line, when replaced by " our peculiar method," 
certain results follow in the way of return to a normal condition, 
the opposite of the condition when the spines are distorted. That 
when there is soreness along the sides, or either side, of the 
spinous process, in the region where the leashes of spinal nerves 
emerge, there is usually some deviation of contour of the spina! 
processes, and that when the adjustment is made, that soreness 
ceases, and diseased conditions at the ends of these leashes of 
nerves cease, whether they end in the lungs, liver, spleen, kidneys, 
ovaries, genitalia, abdominal viscera, colon, rectum, or either 
upper or lower limbs; so that this amounts to positive proof of 
specific and immediate results of such adjustments, and may be 
positively relied upon in all conditions as a certain means of 
removing all spinal nerve pressure. The nomenclature (nos- 
ology) need not be considered. 

This course of treatment is so radically different from all 
others that it will seem incredulous to the reader at first glance ; 



the: science: of ne:uro-ophthai,moi<ogy. 49 

but, when the application of this philosophy is made, the surprise 
will be greater still, for the results will be fully up to expectation 
of the most earnest seeker of a verification. In a word, it will 
be as stated, and results will universally follow as stated; for 
we have not presented " cunningly devised fables " to deceive. 
This is a system of demonstrable facts, and not theories and fail- 
ures. The principles herein will go down the ages as long as 
time lasts, and never need changing as long as man remains 
anatomically as he is now, and has been for all past ages. This 
system has to do with the physical man as he is, applicable to 
every condition known or ever will be known; for it deals with 
him as he is, and the means may be improved as to application — 
a more intelligent application — but the things to be done will 
always be an essential desideratum and absolutely demanded ; for 
they constitute the means by which the waste of nerve power 
is restored and nerve pressure removed, so that harmony may be 
re-established and health restored in a natural way. Too much 
emphasis and intensity need not be feared, for confidence may 
be assured ; for the evidence will be forthcoming as the application 
is made and the principles are carried out in practice. 

The study of the relationship of the nervous system to the 
bodily control enlightens one as a lamp lights his way in the dark ; 
for all is guess-work without a knowledge of the human system, 
anatomically, physiologically and mentally. When medical col- 
leges shall have adopted the practice of instructing students in 
the rudiments of anatomy as related to pathological conditions, 
and a knowledge of causes as they are to be found in the indi- 
vidual (and not outside of him, seeking some foreign substance 
as the cause) , there will be a more thorough understanding of how 
to ameliorate human suffering simply, effectually. For a while 
it will be hard to " unfog " their " fogged " intellects so as to 
discern truth. 



(5) 



A SPECIAL DESCRIPTION OF THE DIGES- 
TIVE PROCESS. 



Starting with a morsel of food in the mouth, we begin the 
process of digestion; for in the mouth are the teeth, consisting 
of incisors and molars, or grinders ; and at the sides of the neck, 
at the angles of the jaws, are the parotid glands, situated just 
under the ears ; and at the angles of the jaws are two more glands, 
and under the tongue another gland. These are named respect- 
fully the parotid, submaxillary and sublingual glands. The 
ively the parotid, submaxillary and sublingual glands. The 
jaw excite the glandular systems above named to action, and as 
the mastication proceeds — as the chewing is carried on — there 
is secreted and thrown out through small channels, called ducts, 
into the mouth a secretion of an alkaline constituency, which is 
mixed with the food as the process of mastication proceeds, which 
Nature has provided for a lubricant and dissolver of the food, 
and thus prepares it for the next step in the process of digestion. 
As the food is thus prepared, being mixed with the saliva — the 
name of the secretion from these several glands — it passes down 
into the stomach through the tube called the oesophagus, and there 
meets a secretion called the gastric secretion, and this is an acid 
secretion, manufactured in the stomach itself; and this secretion, 
through what is termed a peristalsis, a vermicular motion of 
the walls of the stomach, is thoroughly mixed with the food and 
the alkaline secretion from the mouth, and by the peculiar onward 
motion of the muscular walls of the stomach, the contents of the 
stomach, with its combined secretions and food, ushered on 
through to the third department of digestion into the duodenum, 
where it meets another secretion of an alkaline character, manu- 
factured by the pancreas and the liver, emptied into the duodenum 
(50) 



the: science: op neuro-ophthai^mology. 51 

through a duct called the ductus communis choledochus, and this 
secretion completes the process of digestion } and the whole mass 
there, in the second stomach, is called chyme, and by a process 
of motion of the intestinal canal, called peristalsis, ushered on 
through the lumen thereof for a distance of twenty to twenty- 
five feet, to the ilio-caecal valve, where its unabsorbed material 
enters the large intestine, called the colon ; this is four to six feet 
« in length and has three divisions — first, the ascending ; second, 
the transverse, and third, the descending colon; and these angles 
are named flexures — hepatic, splenic and sigmoid flexures, the 
latter emptying into the rectum. All these processes described 
are the natural order of that process we denominate digestion, and 
are all controlled by nerves. 

The glandular secretions which flow into the mouth are the 
product of nerve action in the several glands mentioned, drawn 
from the blood as it passes through the glands, the special kind 
of secretion necessary to the performance of the function required 
for that particular purpose, in that special locality, at the begin- 
ning of a process which finally culminates into blood. A similar 
process takes place in the stomach, but the secretions are of a 
different constituency — that of an acid nature. The acid in the 
stomach and the alkaline secretion from the mouth meet and neu- 
tralize each other, and mix with the food, and through the irrita- 
tion of the presence of the food and the acid secretion in the 
stomach, the walls of the stomach contract in its various circular 
and longitudinal muscular fibers, and push the contents on into the 
pylorus, into the duodenum, where the secretions from the pan- 
creas and th£ liver meet and finish the process of digestion, by the 
solvent properties of the alkaline secretions from the liver and 
pancreas. 

It will be understood that all of these secretions above named 
are the product of mind, through the nerves, acting upon the 
blood as it passes through the structure of the various glands 
above named, showing that, in each division of the digestive 
apparatus, the mind, through the nervous system, controls the 
selection of elements essential to the performance of the functions 



52 THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHM.MOLOGY. 

designed by an Allwise Creator, to keep in order all the parts of 
this wonderful creature called man. 

Having thus followed this process to a terminus where the 
digestion is complete, and the result being what is denominated 
chyme, we are ready to take up the line of march to the goal 
where this chyme is converted into blood. On examination of 
the inside, the mucous membrane, of the intestinal canal, it will 
be observed that there are folding vessels just under the smooth 
surface, exposed as the peristalsis, the vermicular twisting and 
folding, takes place — little openings into the intestinal walls, 
called suckers, absorbents — and as the fluid, the chyme from 
the duodenum, passes along the lumen of the mucous mem- 
brane of the intestine, these vessels are exposed and the fluid 
passes into them, and this fluid passes through small tubes along 
down the walls of the intestine until it comes to a point in the 
abdomen about opposite the second lumbar vertebra, and is there 
emptied^ into large vessels called receptacuktm chyli, and there, 
by a continued process of peristalsis, ushered into a duct which 
ascends onward through the posterior part of the lower abdom- 
inal cavity, through the posterior chest, and close to the back bone, 
and ends in the left subclavian vein. This is called the thoracic 
duct; this tube conveys the secretion called chyle into the vein 
named, and thence into the right side of the heart, into the right 
auricle, thence into the right ventricle, and from there it passes 
out of the ventricle into the walls of the air-cells of the lungs, 
where it undergoes a process of purification by exchanging the 
carbonic oxide for oxygen, and is thence returned to the heart — 
the left side of it — and from thence out through the arterial 
system to every part of the body as arterial, purified blood, hav- 
ing all the elementary chemical constituents essential to the build- 
ing up of the tissues of the body ; and this is the interesting part 
of the whole process of life — the starting-point of vitality from the 
food eaten; for be it remembered that all the above process has 
been consummated through the forces already in the body; but 
now we begin to furnish supplies for the perpetuity of animal 
life. We have the blood in the arteries — away out in the 
smallest terminals, even into the arterioles, and entering into the 



THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHALMOLOGY. 53 

capillaries — the terminals of the arterioles denuded of their out- 
side covering, and so constructed as to be full of pores, or small 
holes, in their walls, through which the chemical elements are 
drawn as the blood passes through the capillaries on into tlie 
veins. At the sides of these capillaries there are terminal nerve 
filaments — the sympathetic and motor nerve footlets — and 
through these the process of selection and extraction of chemical 
elements needed for the surrounding tissue is carried on, whether 
it be lime, sulphur, carbon, hydrogen, phosphates or nitrates, and 
the unused of the elements pass on into the veinlets — the begin- 
nings of the veins — to be carried back to the heart, thence 
to the lungs, to be rejuvenated again. Thus the process of circu- 
lation goes on all the time. In the vicinity of the capillaries, 
where the elements are drawn out to supply the deficit of wasted 
tissue, the waste is dissolved and pressed into the small tubes, 
called lymphatic tubes, and carried through them into the veins, 
beyond the capillaries, and thus we see that the nervous system 
superintends all the workings of this wonderful structure called 
the human body. This process goes on whether we are asleep 
or awake. It is Mind directing every minute detail, from trie 
manufacture of the first secretion to the last finishing-up process, 
which makes food into blood and then distributes it where needed, 
in all parts of the great house we live in — the house that mind 
built, and is building and replenishing from youth to old age, and 
finally finishing the work of construction and decay ; and when we 
become old and worn out, it leaves this lump of clay and lets 
it go back to its original elements, and mingle with the clods 
of the valley, and we go out to join the everlasting hosts, freed 
from earthly environments, according as we have cared for this 
body. The mind is the We, the habitant, and superintends the 
house in which it lives. 

It will be understood that mind does not literally take hold of 
this body and move it of its own accord. The medium through 
which it directs is the organic nervous system, and the agencies 
concerned in the movements are the muscular system. There 
are five hundred and twenty-seven of these muscles (muscu- 
lares), and they are said to be capable of performing at least 



- 



54 



THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHAIvMOLOGY. 



fourteen thousand movements; but each and every muscle is 
controlled by nerves ending in its structure, and no movement 
takes place without nerve influence. Any disturbance or inter- 
ference with these filaments, called nerves, produces inharmony 
of action, and the disturbance is directly in the ratio of the dis- 
turbed nerves involved, considering the locality and the character 
of the nervous system as to function. 

Seeing that the nervous system controls every function of the 
human body, is it not worthy of profound consideration and 
intelligent care? This proposition can not be so expanded as to 
get beyond the realm of mind influence through nerve filaments ; 
for this understood, in all its relations to the human body, its 
association with all other things, embraces the entire field of 
thought. The structure of the nerve elements, and the keeping 
of them in proper condition, makes up all there is in the healing 
art. The only mystery is not understanding the mind which 
directs. and controls the body. The forty-two faculties in the 
cranium are factors of the mind, and suggestion accepted, rules 
the body in its every relationship to environments. The con- 
stituents of nerve elements are essential to know in measuring 
the nerve power. These constitute the medium of communication 
to each and every part, and there are two things always essential 
to consider ; and these are, first, the nerve supply, and second, its 
freedom from origin to terminus. These constitute the secret of 
the healing art. Whatever overtaxes, overstrains, exhausts the 
nerve elements, produces inharmony — disease. It may be due 
to lack of elements in the blood, or to pressure on the nerves, or 
to the excessive use of the nerves ending in a particular organ, 
using up the elements which constitute the medium of power, 
which is Mind. This philosophy will have to be accepted by the 
healer, or his action will always be in the dark, vague, and merely; 
conjectural. 



THE DIET. 



The body is composed or made up of elements, and these ele- 
ments being manufactured from the food eaten, there should be 
some consideration as to what is eaten ; for each and every article 
of food ingested influences results as to constituency of the 
elements, and goes to make up the nutritive and non-nutritive 
products of which these elements consist. The kind of food 
eaten also determines the state of health, growth and conditions 
of body, mind and health. An excess of foods containing a large 
amount of carbonates injures the digestive apparatus, and tends 
to increase fat-accumulation, whereas an excess of the nitrates 
has a tendency to develop muscle, and so we see that it is essen- 
tial that proper food and a proper proportion be used in order 
to have a normal condition of development, and to maintain 
normal weight, normal activity, normal energy, and all that main- 
tains the harmony of the body and brain, and normal nerve power 
to carry on the functions of life naturally. 

It will be seen from the following table that each article 
of diet named possesses certain quantities of elements, and that 
their use will determine the product, so that any one may select 
from the list the kind of food desired to produce conditions 
desired, either to remain strong and healthy or to dwindle down 
to a mere skeleton ; and one will note the fact that it is as much 
of a necessity to eat the proper food, to be well physically, as it is 
to think the right thoughts, to be the right sort of an individual 
in society — harmonious and a law-abiding citizen. Whilst mind 
rules the body, food determines its physical means of manifesta- 
tions, and all the chemical elements are essential to a perfect 
physical being. What we eat, then, is a matter which demands 
our special consideration, if we regard this body of ours as we 
should, the temple in which we dwell while here on earth. 

(55) 



56 



THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHALMOLOGY. 



The question of how to eat and what to eat are important 
' factors in the health and happiness and longevity of the human 
race. What we eat constitutes the elements which make up 
the various departments of the house in which we live; hence 
should be earnestly considered. The diet which is needed consists 
largely of cereals, vegetables, and fruits, nuts and grains. We 
scarcely need to consider meats, for they are not necessary, but 
rather injurious. All sweetmeats, pies, cakes, and all pastries, 
puddings, and fried victuals should be avoided; for they are 
excesses which require extra efforts of the system to eliminate. 
One can not purchase health in drug stores nor of doctors; for 
it does not come from them. All stimulants are useless and 
injurious. 

The greatest physical and mental feats are performed by 
those who never eat meats nor use stimulants. Are not these facts 
worth consideration? Whole-wheat bread should always be the 
bread oaten. Fermentation destroys the nutritive properties of 
all kinds of food. Obedience to the laws of hygiene should be 
observed by those who desire health and comfort as well as long, 
useful, active life. The proper mastication of foods deserves our 
special observance; for without thorough mixing of the saliva 
with the food it is not absorbed, even after it has passed through 
the stomach and the duodenum, and received the secretions from 
stomach and liver and pancreas. Nature's laws are important as 
well as imperative, and the penalty follows the violation of them 
sooner or later. The millions of dollars expended every year 
for " dyspepsia tablets " speak in thunder tones the truth of the 
effects on the stomach alone, to say nothing of the billions 
expended for medicines for effects on the general system, and still 
the cause remains, and will remain, until the masses are taught 
how to eat, what to eat, and a rational, natural method of living 
is adopted and practiced. 

SOMETHING WORTHY OF CONSIDERATION ABOUT DIET. 

The beef eaten should not be the product of offal of breweries, 
and distilleries, and swills, collected from restaurants or elsewhere, 
but should be made of good grain and grass. Cattle, to be 



THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHALMOUXJY. 57 

healthy, should be fed on healthy food. People, to be healthy, 
should be fed on healthy food. To feed milch cows on impure 
food, and then go through a process of what is called " steriliz- 
ing " it to kill imaginary germs, will not improve its quality. 

Whilst milk is designed for the young, it is a matter of 
importance that it be natural and from healthy cows. Human 
milk for infants will be all the nourishment they need, until the 
glandular system is developed enough for other foods, and the 
teeth are also developed so as to masticate it properly. The chem- 
ical elements in milk differ in different animals in proportion as 
their animal natures differ. 

Nature has made provision for every variety of the animal 
creation to be provided for from the soil, and these need no 
material changes or compounding, or preparing by man, save the 
cooking of some articles, to fully satisfy all of the conditions 
necessary for growth, preservation of health, and perpetuation 
of life to good old age. It is best to leave Nature to herself and 
follow her dictations. 

When we consider the results of indifference in this regard, 
we have forced upon us forty thousand or more tooth doctors 
constantly repairing teeth which might have been sound and doing 
duty as Nature designed them to do, had the owners have known 
Nature's laws and observed them. 

Much damage, we admit, has been done by the use of mer- 
curials administered by doctors and others, which have aided in 
the demoralization of the mouths of many. It is certainly time 
to consider our manner of living somewhat seriously. More care 
and attention paid to studying the nature of the body, its ele- 
mentary chemical constituents, and what sort of elements are 
essential to the helpfulness devolving upon us in maintaining a 
normal condition, would better be spent, than depending upon 
an ignorant set of men called doctors every time a pain is felt. 
We maintain that health is the normal condition of humanity, 
and would be maintained if the proper hygienic laws were 
observed. There are no substitutes for natural laws. Whenever 
we conform to Nature's laws, we enjoy all the freedom necessary 
to be a physically healthy being. We demonstrate this proposition 



58 THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHALMOLOGY. 

to be true by enforcing the rule in our treatment of the afflicted, 
who come to us for treatment of their ills, for they get well 
under this regime. The return to the natural order of things is 
therefore a necessity. 

It is altogether probable that the majority of people eat three 
or four times as much as should be eaten, especially of starchy 
foods, as are digested ; because the mushes, pies, cakes, potatoes, 
sweet meats, hot bread, coffee and tea, water at meals, and hasty 
eating, all conduce to impair the digestive organs. The habit of 
fast eating, failure to masticate the food before swallowing it, or 
washing it down with any sort of fluid, tends to dry up the secre- 
tion in the glandular system in the mouth, and imposes upon the 
secretions further on, in the alimentary canal. Nature has pro- 
vided the human body with every facility to keep itself in a normal 
condition, and when conditions are maintained, she does it har- 
moniously. Right at the very threshold of supplies entering into 
the house in which we live there stands the janitor with a double 
row of guards, under and at the sides of the gateway, the passing 
of which, without undergoing a thorough process of grinding and 
mixing with the secretion, called saliva, which flows out and into 
the mouth while the grinding process proceeds, imposes upon the 
next department, so that, in time, great damage is done to it, as 
well as to the glandular system in the mouth. Everything in 
nature is governed by law, and the violation of that law brings 
its certain results, sooner or later. 

CONCERNING DIETARY MATTERS. 

There is much in the diet of the person as regards health. 
Nations are healthy as they conform to certain conditions of 
living, and in proportion to the edibles consumed, for the food 
furnishes the blood, and the blood containing the life, the kind 
of life is a product of what the individual eats, — or at least it 
has much to do with the blood status, as the thoughts do the state 
of the body, as to character. There being certain elements in 
normal. blood — blood in a perfect state of health — it should be 
the object and aim in the individual to see to it that the food 



THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHALMOLOGY.' 59 

ingested contains the normal elements from which the blood is 
formed, in order that there be no lack. The edibles contain spe- 
cial constituents chemically, and these are in different proportions, 
as regards the fundamental elements of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen 
and nitrogen, and some one or more of these necessarily enter into 
all the cereals, vegetables, and various kinds of meats used as 
food for diet everywhere. 

There are some persons who seem to thrive on a certain class, 
as it were, which another class do not seem to relish at all ; and 
these facts are sometimes confusing to those who do not take into 
consideration the proportion of elements in a particular diet for 
certain circumstances, or avocations or climatic influences of cer- 
tain individuals, and of certain temperaments, avocations and 
environments generally and specifically. All of which are essen- 
tial to be considered, as to a wise selection of food for every 
individual, in the various avocations and relationships of life, 
habits, etc. 

The leanness of the person, the disposition to eliminate all 
that is ingested without the accumulation of what we call adipose, 
suggests the kind of food necessary to increase it. The opposite 
is necessary in the one whose system seems to get plump on the 
food eaten. The habits of the people should receive a careful con- 
sideration, and the results of dieting may be as accurately deter- 
mined as any other condition we are called upon to arrange, in 
each and every person we are called upon to prescribe for, to pro- 
duce a change from their present condition to one of a different 
condition as regards health, or a continuance in a course which 
annuls all the effects of even proper treatment, for we are of what 
we are made up of, the food, air and fluids — water — and these 
are controlled and directed by a mental condition, whether we 
know it or not — a sub-conscious care for our bodies at all times, 
whether we are awake or asleep. Results follow ; silently though 
they may come, they do come, and we may direct them wisely if 
we will, if we only know how to direct the causes and relations of 
our environments, including a will power which results from 
concentration of thought along specific lines. 



6o THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-QPHTHALMOIvOGY. 

THE QUESTION OF DIET CONSIDERED. 

It matters what we eat. A wise consideration of what we eat 
should be had. What we eat indexes our condition, and we may 
know a people by what they eat. We are a product of what we 
eat and what we assimilate therefrom, for we are made up of 
elements. These elements are in the food we eat, the air we 
breathe, and the water we drink, for out of these the system is 
furnished wholly. The elements in the food are what the system 
forms the entire structure from. A deficiency of any one or more 
of these elements in the food ingested shows itself in the body in 
some way, and sooner or later the exhaustion of the element or 
its deficiency in quantity produces inharmony in the whole body. 

The blood being " the life of the body," and the blood being 
a product of the food of which it is made, and this all comes from 
what we eat, does it not appear reasonable that we have regard 
to what we eat, if we desire proper products ? The cardinal ele- 
ments in food products are carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitro- 
gen; and then no less than sixteen other elements, called minor 
elements, constitute the inorganic elements of the food necessary 
to supply the various compounds of which we are made up. In 
the uses of certain organs, in performing their several functions, 
certain elements are exhausted, and as these elements are the 
product of certain kinds of food — for these elements are in cer- 
tain foods in greater quantities than in some others — and in pro- 
portion as these elements are in excess in foods, it becomes a 
matter of importance as to the selection of the articles to eat, for 
an element used in certain exercises more than in a normal way 
must be supplied, or the whole body soon shows inharmony, and 
a general draft is made on other parts, and in proportion as these 
are used, the system becomes depleted, and a general enervation 
ensues, which, sooner or later, undermines the constitution of the 
whole body, and disease of some kind manifests itself somewhere 
or all over the body. Thus we see the necessity of a proper selec- 
tion of diet at all times if we desire to maintain harmony or health. 

The carbonates should exceed the nitrates by about four to 
one in quantity in order to a maintenance of health, and the 



THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHALMOIvOGY. 6l 

nitrates should have a sufficient amount of the phosphates in order 
that sufficient nerve element be furnished to generate the gland- 
ular secretion in sufficient quantities to digest the food for assimi- 
lation, and if fat is desired, the carbonaceous materials should 
predominate, but if muscle and a good supply of nerve power be 
desired, the nitrates and phosphates are to be used. Due regard 
to the diet, all else being equal, we can accommodate ourselves 
with whatever element desired, for whatever purpose we desire, 
so far as utility of diet is concerned, recognizing the fact that the 
mind, through the nervous system, controls all action in the body, 
assimilation and elimination, and all feeling, sensation, motion; 
and the nerves are conveyances of our thoughts to all parts of the 
body, and absolutely control every function we have to do with 
anywhere, for through these nerve filaments communication of 
mind is carried on at all times. 

We wish it to go down the ages that we enter our solemn 
protest against the use of " predigested " or prepared foods, as 
commonly throng the markets — sold for the ostensible purpose 
of making money off of the unwary and ignorant. These foods 
are disease generators, and should be given a " go by." Nature 
made provision for its own digestion, and if the organs of diges- 
tion are normal, they need no help, and if not, predigested food, 
or any other sort, has no business to be placed in the alimentary 
tract with the expectation of assimilation, for it will not be 
accepted, nor will it be possible to care for it, and wisdom would 
say, Keep it out, and reinstate harmony in the digestive tract, 
and then nature will perform her functions, and will not, and can 
not, without. Ingesta, without there be a condition of health in 
the digestive tract, produces decomposition of the elements, a 
chemical change, accumulation of gas, foreign substances, which 
/only produce irritation, and paralyze terminal nerve fibers and 
' drain their secretory capacity, necessary to the digestive process, 
and finally incapacity altogether ensues, and then any patho- 
logical condition may result. The capacity of an organ depends 
altogether upon the nerve power governing it, and should never 
be overlooked by ,the intelligent practitioner of this or any other 
system. These hints should be sufficient for general purposes for 



62 



THE SCIENCE; OF NEUROOPHTHA^MOIyOGY. 



all time. Every practitioner should learn the properties of food, 
and use them for a purpose, and not consider the stomach a recep- 
tacle for every unclean and unwholesome thing, a general " waste 
basket," a " dumping ground." 

THE FOOD PROBLEM SOLVED. 

Recognizing the necessity of the elements in the food eaten, 
we give a table which contains the proportion of carbonates, 
nitrates and phosphates of each of the articles named, and from 
the foregoing a proper diet may be selected for whatever purpose 
desired ; and if the nervous system is free from strain and press- 
ure anywhere and everywhere from origin to terminus, there can 
be no question as regards results. 

THE CHEMICAI, CONSTITUENTS OF FOOD. 



Names. 



Asparagus 

Bacon 

Barley 

Beans 

Beef 

Buckwheat 

Butter 

Cabbage 

Carrots 

Cauliflower 

Cheese 

Cherries 

Chickens 

Chocolate 

Clams 

Codfish 

Corn — Northern . 
Corn — Southern . 

Cream 

Cucumber 

Currants 

Dates, fresh 

Eels 

Eggs — Whites of 
Eggs— Yolk . . . 

Figs 

Flounders 

Green Cabbage. . 
Haddock. ....... 



Car bon- 
ates. 



5-4 
62.5 

53-i 
40.0 
14.9 
53o 
100. o 

62 
12.2 

4-6 
28 o 
21.0 

1.9 

88.0 

trace 
1.0 
67.5 
39- 2 
4-5 
17 
6.8 

73-7 
little 

29.8 

57-9 

little 

26.8 

0.6 



Nitrates 



0.6 

8.4 
12.8 
24.0 
19.0 

8.6 

1.2 
1.1 
3-6 

30.8 
9.6 

21.6 
8.8 

12.0 

165 
12.3 
34-6 

3-5 
0.1 
0.9 

17.0 
13.0 
16.9 
5-o 
150 

o.3 

14.0 



Phos- 
phates 



9.4 

o.5 
4.2 

3-5 
2.0 
1.8 

i!8 
1.0 
1.0 

4.7 
1.0 
2.8 
1.8 
25 

2-5 

I.I 

41 

9-5 

0.3 

3-5 
2.8 
2.0 
3-4 
3 5 

2.6 



Water. 



95-6 
28.6 
14.0 
14.8 
65.0 
14.2 

9 x -3 
82.5 

90.0 

36.5 

76.3 

73-7 



80.0 
14.0 
14.0 
92.0 
97.1 

81.3 
24.0 

75 -o 
84.2 

51-3 
18.7 
78.0 
71.0 
82.8 



Waste. 



16 
17 

22 

o 

3 
o 

1 

1 



5 
8 

o 

10 

2 



15 

1 



THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHALMOLOGY. 
THE CHEMICAI, CONSTITUENTS OF FOOD.— Continued. 



63 



Names. 



Halibut 

Ham 

Herring 

Horseradish . . . 

Kidney 

Lamb 

Lard 

Lentils 

Liver 

Lobster 

Milk— Cows'.. 
Milk — Human . 

Mutton 

Oats 

Onions 

Oysters 

Parsnips 

Pearl Barley . . . 

Pears 

Peas 

Pigeon 

Plaice 

Pork 

Potatoes — Irish 

Prunes 

Radishes 

Rice 

Rye 

Salmon 

Smelt 

Sole 

Suet 

Sweet Potatoes 

Trout 

Turbot 

Turnips 

Veal 

Venison 

Vermicelli 

Wheat 

Whey 

Whiting , 



Carbon- 
ates. 



little 
32.0 
little 

4-7 
0.9 

14.3 
100. o 

39-o 

3-9 
little 

8.0 

7.0 
14.0 
50.8 

5-2 

14-5 
78.0 

9.6 
41.0 

1.9 

16.0 
15-8 
78.6 

7.4 
82.0 

75-2 
little 

0.8 

100. o 

21.8 

0.8 
little 

4.0 

14.3 

8.0 

38.0 

66.4 

4 ' 



Nitrates 



little 



18.0 
35 -o 
18.0 
0.1 
21.2 
19.6 

26.0 

26.3 

14.0 

5-o 

3-o 
21.0 
17.0 

0.5 

12.6 

2.1 

4-7 
0.1 

23-4 
23.0 
14.0 
17-5 



6.5 
20.0 
17.0 
17.0 

i-5 
16.9 
17.0 

1.2 

17.7 
20.4 

47-5 
14.6 



15-0 



Phos 
phates. 



i-5 
1.2 

5-5 
1.0 

9-5 
2.0 
3-o 

o-5 
0.2 
1.0 
0.2 

2-5 

2.7 

5-5 
2.2 
0.9 

4-5 
1.0 

9-5 
o-5 
6-5 
5-5 
25 

2.9 

4-3 
5 5 
o.5 
2-3 
2.8 

*-7 
1.6 

0.7 
5-5 



Water. 



75 o 
28.6 
75.0 
8.2 
76.5 
63 -9 

14.0 
68.6 

79 -o 

86.0 

89.0 

63.0 

136 

93-8 

87 

79 

9 

86 

14. 1 
74-4 
80.0 

64-3 
74-8 
13.0 
89.1 
9.0 

13-5 
74 -o 
75 o 
79 7 

67-5 
78.0 
79.0 
90.4 

65-7 
68.8 
12.8 
14.0 

94-7 
78.0 



Waste. 



16 



18 



15 



3 

7 

3 

19 



REGARDING DIET DURING SICKNESS. 

When one is sick, the system has gone on a " strike," (forci- 
bly, perhaps), but it needs no food until nature is prepared for 
it. Remember that the digestive tract suspends its operations of 



64 THE SCIENCE OF" NEURO-OPHTHALMOLOGY. 

building when the nervous system which controls secretion in the 
} glands has shut down. The reinstatement of the functions of 
digestion must be considered before food is thrown into the 
" mouth " — the grinder, the mill ; for when the machinery is out 
of repair, there will be no manufacture of the product, and the 
system is taxed unnecessarily, and the evidences of incapacity will 
be seen very soon by an increase of temperature in the body of 
the one sick who indulges in eating. Water in small quantities is 
the only admissible article into the system as long as evidence of 
impairment of the digestive organs exist, and this is the coated 
tongue. Refer to what we say about diet in the Osteopathic 
department of this book, under the head " Typhoid Fever." 

MEDICINES AND PATENT CEREALS SHOULD ALWAYS BE AVOIDED. 

Live on the kind of food which contains the elements 
needed,- 8 - natural food, and in moderate quantities, — for twice 
as much food is used as is needed. We should regard food as a 
necessity to live on, and not simply live to eat, for that is all any 
animal knows; but intelligent beings should eat to live, and not 
live simply to eat. Recognizing the necessity of the elements in 
the food eaten, or to be eaten, we submit a table which gives a 
comparison of the quantities of elements contained in each article 
presented, and from it a selection may be made of the food neces- 
sary to supply any, or almost any, demand, and the list may be 
extended at the option of the individual, as occasion, climate or 
locality demands. 

It will be remembered all the time that due regard must be 
had to supplying the nerve elements, for upon these depend the 
health and well-being of everybody. 

A proper supply of the right kind of food and the removal of 
nerve impingement and nerve strain constitute the whole problem 
of comfort, pleasure, health, life. 

It is not all in knowing how to remove nerve strain and nerve 
pressure, for there must be a supply furnished to rebuild the lost 
nerve substance which has brought the individual to the condition 
found, and for which treatment is demanded. 



the; science; oe neuro-ophthalmoi*ogy. 65 

Chemical elements supplied in the form of food must receive 
careful consideration. 

Due regard to the above facts brings about a condition called 
health. 

Do not forget that the nervous system is built up by the kind 
of food eaten. 



(6) 



THE LIMITATION OF NERVE POWER. 



The nervous system, like everything else in this world, has its 
limitations, and to expect more than it is in the power or possi- 
bility of anything need not be expected. It is computed that the 
nervous system exhausts in proportion as it is exercised — used. 
This exhaustion of nerve power is more especially applied to the 
execution of functions, and not usually due to obstructed power, 
due to impingement or pressure. The difference has a perceptible 
distinction. For instance, a function may be abridged on account 
of pressure on the nerve filament performing that function, and 
no exhaustion of nerve power take place, as, for instance, in the 
genito-crural nerves, emanating from the second lumbar. 

Some pressure may take place on the leash of these nerves, 
as they emerge from the foramina of the spine, and the functions 
be modified greatly, or even cut off, and when the pressure is 
removed, the function becomes established at once. Not so with 
the nerves ending in and around the eyes, for here we have no 
pressure, but through their overuse, overwork, exhaustion actually 
takes place, and there is an entirely different state of affairs, as 
regards the condition of the nerves and their functions, as well as 
a different treatment is necessary to adopt. Each condition must 
be taken into consideration when we apply Neuropathy. 

For the pressure, we must remove it. For the strain, we 
must stop it and rebuild the elements exhausted before we can 
expect the functions to become established and able to perform 
their former function, for exhaustion of any set of nerves pro- 
duces exhaustion of the whole organism, and the stoppage of the 
waste is important — in fact, must be done to restore the system to 
health. No exception to his. 

the; importance of neuropathy. 

The importance of Neuropathy can not be estimated, for 
through its application we re-establish nerve relationships whicH 
(66) 



the; science: of neuro-ophthai,mou)Gy. 67 

have been separated for years, likely, and start forces which have 
been dormant, and which have kept the individual in a state of 
disease, without even a possibility of release through any other 
process of treatment known to mankind, which, when properly 
applied, changes conditions so radically as to start up new forces, 
which change the whole life of one who before was a confirmed 
invalid, bound down by hand, as it were, and whose very life had 
been incompatible with everything around, and with whom death 
or anything would have been a boon gladly Welcomed, when in an 
instant the whole life may be changed to one of joy and gladness 
and supreme happiness. 

Such is the nature and possibility of this science called Neu- 
ropathy, for through it we liberate the channels of communica- 
tion of intelligence to all parts of the house in which we live while 
on this mundane sphere. This science frees all conditions pos- 
sible to be set free, and so suddenly changes relationships that one 
is amazed at the possibility of such a thing being done, that it is 
wonderful beyond expression or comprehension, and Nature at 
once asserts herself. There are so many diseases cured thereby 
that we scarcely believe what we see. Nothing can be said to 
express the inestimable value of this science. 

NEUROPATHY VS. CHIROPRACTIC. 

The word Neuropathy expresses a relationship of the nervous 
system to some diseased condition of the nervous system — a 
pathological condition ; whereas a term which means only " hand 
practice " has no possible relationship to disease. The term Chi- 
ropractic may be any kind of hand practice, and apply to Massage 
or Suggestive Theurapeutics, Swedish Movement cure or " The 
Laying on of Hands." So that we readily see that it, like Osteop- 
athy, is a misnomer, and requires an explanation of the definition 
to make clear what it means — and then it doesn't mean what it is 
intended to mean. Now, since the nervous system has to do with 
all pathological conditions of the physical organism, Neuropathy 
is the proper term to use, and we know what is meant when we 
say the Neuropathic System. 



68 THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHAI,MOIX)GY. 

Then to attempt to make believe that bones are " dislocated " 
and require "fixing" savors of the supremest ignorance to an 
intelligent anatomist, and to make this sort of treatment what it 
ought to be, and what this author intends it to be, we should appeal 
to the intelligence of the people, and make no attempt to cover 
up the facts, with the idea of making merchandise of the people 
who have no way to find out different, and who are ready to 
believe anything said by their doctor. * 

This science, we are endeavoring to set forth in a clear light, 
will go down the ages, relieving its thousands, and it is to be 
hoped that all schools and physicians of every kind and name, as 
well as the intelligent layman, shall familiarize themselves with 
its far-reaching philosophy and benediction to the world. 

WHY IS THE SPINAS TREATMENT SO EFFICIENT? 

The efficiency of this treatment is due to the fact that it 
unites the " two forces," the " positive " and the " negative," and 
re-establishes the harmony, takes off the pressure, the result of 
irritation of peripheral terminals, which irritate muscular fibers, 
and cause contractions which close around small vessels which 
hold the fluids of the parts. Inasmuch as nerves end everywhere 
in the body, it is a fact that irritation may take place anywhere, 
and affect nerves passing through parts affected by the irritation, 
and contraction of the muscular envelope of these nerves irritate 
the nerves themselves, which end some distance from where the 
irritation is which affects the tissue in which the nerves end ; so 
that we do not always find the cause of the difficulty where it 
seems to be. A knowledge of the human anatomy is an essentia! 
desideratum for the successful treatment of the various diseases 
which one is liable to be called to treat, and an intelligent expla- 
nation can not be too strongly urged upon the expectant student 
.of this science, for many would-be practitioners fail simply 
because of their lack of knowledge of the system they pretend 
to treat. This system, to be creditably applied and the results of 
treatment eminently satisfactory, should be intelligently applied. 
A haphazard application often results unsatisfactorily to both oper- 



THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHALMOLOGY. 69 

ator as well as the operated, hence the importance of knowing how 
to do it correctly. 

THE GENERAL GUIDE TO THE SPINAL TREATMENT. 

As we have said elsewhere, we desire that there be no mis- 
take about where to treat the spine for pains or diseases. We 
would urge the operator to become so familiar with the nervous 
system emanating from the spine as to know at once, if his client 
complains of a pain, where the nerves ending where the pain is 
felt may be accurately known (at the vertebra) where they ema- 
nate, and go to that spot to find the trouble, and treat there for it, 
resting assured that a certainty of relief will follow the proper 
treatment, oftentimes instantaneously. The student should become 
absolutely familiar with anatomy, so as to know where to find the 
origin of the various diseases which affect humanity, and then 
relief may be afforded without confusion. Remember that this 
system is not a guess-work system, but one which may be con- 
sidered mathematically accurate, and results as certainly as day 
follows night expected. The mind, through the nervous system, 
remember, controls the whole body, and to be free means freedom 
from disease every and all the time. It is not so important that 
the operator be familiar with the whole of anatomy as it is the 
nervous system, for without this knowledge he is a mere auto- 
maton. One who knows nothing about this science only as " a 
punch in the back," is, like an accidental fall, striking something 
hard, and a cure of some chronic ailment follows and no one knows 
why. We do know why, if we know anatomy, and know this 
system of application as we should know it, and as we may know 
it, from studying this exposition of it, — and this is the first ever 
written on the subject. 

THE KIND OF TABLE TO HAVE MADE TO TREAT PATIENTS ON. 

It should be made twenty-two inches wide, twenty inches high 
and six feet long, with good turned legs, strong side pieces and 
ends, six-inch by one-inch board framed into legs, and the top of 
inch boards, with a box made on one end of top about two feet 



70 THE SCIENCE OF NEUR0-0PHTHAI*M0U)GY. 

from end, and eighteen or twenty-nine inches in length, so as to 
ho 1 d at least six good spiral springs, or the box filled with the 
springs, so as to make a space the width of the table, save the side 
boards, and twenty inches long, so that the springs may sit upright 
and come to a level with the top of the table, and they to be cov- 
ered with strong canvas of heavy cloth, and the top of table to be 
upholstered with a good padding two inches thick, and all covered 
with pantosote, strongly drawn over all the top. This makes the 
kind of table which is used to treat the spine and neck of patients 
on. If it is desirable, the legs may be longer, so as to make an 
Osteopathic table thirty-four inches in height, including the uphol- 
stering, and then a stool used when treating the spine, for oper- 
ator to stand on when treating the patient. The stool should be 
sixteen to eighteen inches in height. 

THE NIDUS A SEAT OF INFECTION. 

We have said elsewhere that no bacillus can be found or 
located anywhere in the body until a nidus is formed for their 
habitation. Whilst this is at antipodes to bacteriologists' views, 
we claim precedence when we are on the side of truth, not specu- 
lation. If bacilli are naturally generated in the body, why are 
they not disease-producers all the time (if they cause disease at 
all) ? What assurance has man of health if he is the receptacle 
of a bacillus every breath he draws, and that germ is a disease 
originator? If man is a separate entity, possessing all the ele- 
ments which make him a perfect being, and other animate crea- 
tures are also thus created, why should man have originated the 
idea that man (the only one of all of God's creation) should be 
amenable to a foreign and independent living animalcule which 
should, by a breath of air, a contact with environments, affinitize 
an animal that would work death to him? The very idea is 
preposterous, and as unreasonable as it is ridiculous to assume. 
Therefore we must disabuse the minds of deluded mortals of this 
insane fanaticism by a physiological citation of reasonable and 
indisputable facts, which are these: It is an admitted fact that 






THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHALMOIvOGY. 71 

when the blood, if unimpeded in all of its channels through which 
it is wont to flow throughout the body, and the various other 
fluid-carrying channels are performing their normal functions, and 
the nervous system in every part of the body is performing normal 
functions, the condition denominated health exists, and that perfect 
harmony is equivalent to normal health. 

We make this unanswerable statement, that no disease can 
exist in the body when the above conditions obtain ; unless there be 
some disturbance of the nervous system, either poisonous atmos- 
phere inhaled, paralyzing nerve terminals and thereby interfer- 
ing with their natural functions, or some pressure upon the leash 
or leashes of nerves ending in a part, or overuse of the nerves, or 
the nervous system, exhausts the nerve elements, rendering them 
incapable of performing their normal functions, and through these 
conditions interrupt the normal flow of blood and other fluids 
through their channels, no disease can exist. Anything whatever 
which disarranges the harmony of the functions of the body causes 
conditions which result in disease. These causes are legion, but 
in no instance whatever is bacilli the cause of disease, and they 
are harmless in the body when there is not a disturbance of func- 
tion in the body somewhere which causes a nidus for their habita- 
tion. That special adaptability for their sustenance and propa- 
gation can always be traceable to the disturbance of nerve power, 
and when the nerve power is restored to its normality, and the 
obstructions removed from the vessels carrying the fluids of the 
body, disease is no longer a habitant of the body. Were this not 
the case, why does a certain adjustment of the spinal vertebrae 
absolutely annul typhoid, diphtheria, puerperal peritonitis, cholera, 
and any other inflammatory process, independent of all sorts of 
antidotal doses of vermicides, or any other poisonous substances 
called medicines, antidotes, prophylactics, etc.? Why is it that 
physical manipulations furnish more certain immunity from the 
ravages of typhoid than all the known modern therapeutic 
agencies ? 

The rational course to pursue in the treatment of all diseased 
conditions is to remove the causes thereof. This we absolutely 



*J2 THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHAI<MOI<OGY. 

do in our method of applying Neuro-Ophthalmology. The influ- 
ences of mentality upon the physical organism are duly consid- 
ered and receive the consideration due them, for mind, through 
the nervous system, controls the functions of the whole being 
called man, and to ignore it indicates as much ignorance as idiocy 
could manifest, and the individual who does so now, in this 
enlightened state of human progress, is to be pitied, for he has 
certainly no place among intelligent thinkers or scientists. That 
physical adjustments are of the utmost importance is evident, for 
the mind directs the means indicated — properly enlightened — 
which should be applied to remove physical obstructions in the 
way of weights, pressure; and supplying elements indicated in 
every case and condition — turning the " switch," " touching the 
button," or opening the gateway through which power must be 
executed — directed to execute normal functions ; then, and not 
till then, may we have normal conditions restored — health 
re-establfshed. 

THE INTIMACY OF AM, THE PARTS OF THE BODY. 

When it is understood that every part of the body is mutually 
concerned with every other part, we can form some idea what 
effect the disparagement of one of its members involves. A press- 
ure upon a blood vessel, for instance, will lessen the flow of the 
fluid therein, and this either cuts off the nutrition of the parts to 
which the blood is intended to pass, or, if it is an artery or a vein, it 
interferes with the return of waste material on its way to the 
heart, to be sent to the lungs for renovation, restitution, to be 
purified, so as to be again distributed to the various parts of the 
body which need repair. If the pressure be on a nerve, which 
receives all communications of thought, and which minutely dis- 
tributes the intelligence to the various departments of the human 
being, that communication may be modified, intercepted or 
abridged, so that confusion at once arises, and the order which 
had been given to perform certain functions has not been carried 
out, and this makes confusion in that department, and conse- 
quently in all the rest of the great house we dwell in. 



THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHALMOLOGY. 



THE PEOPLE ARE SLOW TO EDUCATE. 



73 



The human family incline to follow the paths made for them, 
and are slow to investigate anything, except what is really forced 
upon them, or necessity compels them to consider. Habit clings 
to the majority of people, because of the dread of change. An 
old teamster follows in the " old ruts " regardless of their depth, 
when a slight change would put him on smooth ground. The 
man of " push " does not remain in the ruts. He gets out and 
changes his attitude to environments, and makes a road where 
none existed before, and explores new lands and turns the soil, 
plants and cultivates, and has the satisfaction of new and better 
things, even to new modes of getting about, and creates new 
environments in every respect. All advancement is the result of 
investigation, and those who will not advance are left in the rear, 
to suffer the consequences of inconvenience and sloth, ignorance 
and inertia. 

THE REASON DISEASE EXISTS IN THE BODY. 

When it is understood that disease is a condition, meaning 
" want of ease," and that the pressure upon terminal nerve fila- 
ments interferes with their function, and that because of this 
disturbance there is accumulation of fluids, blood, etc., in the 
parts where nerve function is disturbed, and that this accumula- 
tion of the fluids separates the end footlets, so that communica- 
tion is cut off, and intelligence fails to reach the destination, and 
orders fail to reach their destination, and all because of separa- 
tion of nerve fibers, from the accumulation of fluids, intercepting 
communication, hence action ceases in the motor fibers, and a 
circulation is interfered with, hence the congestion. Now we 
can understand why the sudden movement causes such immediate 
results ; for it starts the action of motor filaments, and the vessels 
empty themselves and new fluids rush in, on and through, start- 
ing circulation where before it was impeded, or altogether 
arrested. The effects of relieving the congestion of the accumu- 
lated pent-up fluids are immediately noticeable, and the chemical 
changes at once are discernible in the glow of the countenance, 



74 the science; of neuro-ophthalmology. 

change of the feelings of the patient, and nature being permitted 
to assume its normal functions, harmony is soon established. 

This treatment is a marvelous revelation concerning diseases, 
and shows conclusively the cause of disease is largely a product 
of nerve impingement; for the direful consequences immediately 
begin to be dispelled as soon as the nervous system is freed, and 
diseases which have existed for years oftentimes disappear as 
if they had been told to go. 

Sometimes manipulations about the neck are needed to free 
the pressure caused by venous congestion, such as raising the 
clavicles and stretching the neck — lifting it up by force to free 
vessels which have been separated, by force of gravity, in accumu- 
lated fluids in veins. Frequently the neck may be treated the 
same as the spine, either on the side or posterior portion, using 
the sudden motion with care and judgment, being careful as 
regards force. Many conditions and pains are relieved by the 
neck treatment not otherwise effected. 

The treatment between the shoulders about the second to 
the fifth dorsal vertebra is where bronchial and lung troubles are 
reached, and the treatment should be done once each day, or 
oftener, if necessary to relieve the pain and congestion involved ; 
for this reunites the positive and negative forces, which, having 
become separated by cold, stimulating end filaments of nerve 
fibers, caused contraction of muscular fiber, and the drawing upon 
the nerves which control blood vessels, interfering with their 
functions, and thus caused the accumulation in the parts where 
the pain is found ; so that we see the necessity of knowing the 
relation of the nervous system to the condition perceptible in the 
human organism. Function of any part of the body may be inter- 
fered with by pressure upon the filaments ending in the parts ; for 
the nervous system, remember, controls every part of the body. 

The functions of the stomach, liver, spleen (whatever that 
may be), kidneys, colon, intestines and genital organs of either 
sex are disturbed and disannulled by this same cause, and the 
lifting off of the pressure of the nerves controlling the function 
relieves the whole trouble. Puerperal fever (peritonitis), or 
typhoid fever, or any other functional disturbance, is amenable 



THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHALMOIvOGY. 75 

to the same treatment; for all functional disturbances are the 
result of pressure upon the nerve filaments ending in a part. 
Kidney affections are all traceable to the same source^ and the 
difficulty is most generally found about the eleventh or twelfth 
dorsal vertebra. That condition called sciatica is traceable to the 
lumbar region — about the second — where the leash which forms 
the bundle of nerves takes its exit from the spinal column, and 
passes through the great sciatic notch and thence down the limb, 
and liberation from pressure high up in the lumbar area often 
ends the whole difficulty ; for the small filaments begin to go out 
from the leash as soon as they escape from the spinal cord, and 
ending everywhere along their course from their exit, we can 
account for the pains often felt even above the pelvis and sacrum, 
and gradually descending until the whole limb may feel the pains 
caused by the pressure in the loins. Hence it is proper to treat 
all the way from the exit of the leash to where the leash passes 
through the great sciatic notch, which may necessitate movements 
of the hip joint, as per Osteopathy. 

THE SPINAL NERVOUS SYSTEM — ITS EXTENT. 

If any one will take the pains to investigate, and fully com- 
pass the magnitude of the scope involved in the treatment of the 
spinal column neuropathically, he will be astonished ! The blood 
supply is controlled through the spinal nerves, because, through 
their influence, the nervous system which controls the peristalsis 
is affected, and the action of all the muscles and organs in the 
body is carried on through nerve influence which emerge through 
the various leashes which are distributed to the five hundred and 
twenty-seven muscles, so admirably adapted to the fourteen 
thousand movements they are capable of making ; so that a control 
which anatomists and physicians heretofore have failed to rec- 
ognize pervades the nervous system of this region, and, notwith- 
standing these nerve leashes all originate in the calvarium — the 
skull — they influence the tissue in which they end, and it is 
through these that a manipulator who understands the anatomy 
of the human body, and especially the nervous system, is able 






j6 THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHALMOLOGY. 

to influence each and every part of the body so effectually and 
satisfactorily. The Neuropath has the mastery of the situation, 
and is the only one who intelligently has any conception of what 
he is doing in the treatment of disease; for the medicine vendor 
is dealing in future probabilities of complicated possibilities, and 
generally with a substance he knows less about than he does of 
the human system, or the disease he claims to treat. The claims 
of the medical profession are surely questionable, to say the 
least of them. When it is positively demonstrated that a proper 
adjustment of the spinal nervous system will at once knock all 
the " bug " theory into kingdom come, the medical man stands 
aghast, and is as silent as the grave, and when he does arouse 
from his astonishment, he says that is too simple — " it is doubtful 
whether that case was as bad as I thought.'* 

When diarrhea can be cured in a minute, and puerperal 
fever in less time than it takes to tell it, the old school, and the 
new as well, stand aghast and wonder if somebody wasn't mis- 
taken. The long essays at medical meetings of the societies 
are mockeries of science. 

The study of medicine never made a physician in the world, 
because medicine does not heal. Physicians are supposed to be 
healers, and they do not; neither do their medicines. I studied 
medicine for many years, and could administer it ad nauseam, 
and as well as most of the profession ; but seriously did I watch 
its effects in every case I treated, and codld I have known what 
I now know of the healing art — the knowledge of the human 
system — much suffering would have been saved and the world 
would have been better off every way; for truth alone benefits 
the human race. That is the very reason I desire to have every 
one know facts. That any one with ordinary common sense 
should be able to ameliorate much suffering by the application of 
this science is a proven proposition; for we know that such is 
being done by persons who know but little about the human 
system, so far as anatomy and physiology are concerned, and yet 
automatically they touch and relieve nerve impingements which 
have bound the victims of disease down for years, and have been 
thus relieved as if by magic. 



p 



THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHALMOLOGY. 77 

Certain localities along the spine have emerging therefrom 
nerve leashes which end in remote parts of the body, and influ- 
ence that particular part of the body to the extent of perfectly 
controlling it, whether it be a muscle or a gland, and performs a 
function which is the general function of the nervous system. 
It has that part to look after, goes there, enters into its duty, as 
a matter of duty, which no other set of nerves in the body can 
do, and the mind which permeates that leash is as specific as 
individuality can imagine, and a duty imposed upon any other 
leash of nerves in the body could not possibly be performed by 
this one. There is no " trading of jobs " in this physical body of 
ours ; every nerve performs the mission imposed upon it, or it is 
not done. That part suffers or rejoices according to whether the 
nerves ending in the part are free or interfered with; so that the 
philosophy of this system of relieving human suffering becomes 
a matter of momentous importance as we investigate it and study 
its far-reaching influences and possibilities. 

THE SPINAS NERVE POWER CONSIDERED. 

Through the thirty-one pairs of spinal nerve leashes, which 
pass out of the spine through the foramina on either side,. com- 
posed of nerve filaments, the various functions of the body are 
performed. These functions are natural, when these nerve fila- 
ments are not overused, or interfered with in any way, or their 
functions partially or wholly suspended, by being unduly pressed 
upon. The irritation of any nerves, or cluster of nerves, ending 
in a part, produces contraction of the muscular tissue in which 
it ends, and this contraction causes what is regarded as nerve 
pressure, and may be the means of much harm thereby, not only 
to the parts where the contraction takes place, but remotely — the 
parts where the nerves which are thus pressed ends, and these 
may continue to multiply until all the nervous system is influenced 
to an extent that all the functions of the body may be implicated. 
This is a new and important matter, worthy of the profoundest 
consideration. The arrest of this pressure is just as essential to 
the restoration of health as food is to the sustenance of the vital 
forces. 



78 THE SCIENCE OF NEUR0-0PHTHALM0U)GY. 

While this is Neuropathy, it requires Chiropractic manipu- 
lations to free the pressure, and to restore the harmony of the 
two forces in the body, so as to neutralize the excess of the one 
or the other, caused by the nerve impingement. The excessive 
action of the one substance which is in excess causes the various 
phenomena called disease. That many favorable results follow 
the unintelligent application of what is denominated Chiropractic 
Adjustment, is conceded, and many are led to believe that the 
results are from adjustments of luxated vertebrae ( ?) ; and the 
manipulator makes that impression on the patient if possible, hence 
the " click/' often heard in the treatment is an indication that the 
bone has been replaced (?) and the patient will surely get well. 
We assume that the union of the two forces accomplishes the 
purpose intended, and not the setting of any luxated bones, for 
there is generally no luxation, and the accusation of the " atlas " 
and the " axis " being out, is an expression, patent among the 
ignoromt, unprovable. It is the strained condition of the muscular 
condition, from nerves irritating the parts in that region — not 
luxation. 



r 



CATARRH AND KINDRED AFFECTIONS. 



Without entering into the details of complications, causes, 
etc., of this prevalent complaint, our attention will be directed to 
the treatment. The various theories as to cause are as varied and 
numerous as are the remedies suggested. It, like all other 
functional disorders, is a nerve trouble, and caused by irritation 
of terminal nerve filaments, producing muscular contraction, and 
obstructing venous blood in the mucous membranes and sub- 
cellular tissue. Congestion is the consequence, and separation of 
nerve footlets occurs, and capillaries are choken, and there ensue 
chemical changes ; and first a watery exudate occurs, then the 
more constituent substance, mucus, then inflammatory processes 
take place, and a chronic disorder of mucus continues until all 
of the choked secretions are exhausted, and there is either a con- 
traction of the epithelial surface, or a deeper structure, and 
inflammatory products result. 

A more serious sequela than this may ensue — that of oedema — 
affecting the periosteum, and even involve the bony structure 
itself, when the exudate is green and offensive. These conditions 
are generally classed among the catarrhhal affections. The causes 
are as stated above. Constant wetting the hair is one common 
source of catarrh, and should never be done as a "habit." The 
water evaporates, and coldness is the result, then contraction of 
muscle fibers, then choking off of the venous circulation, and 
terminal nerve irritation produces contraction of muscular fibers, 
hence obstructs venous circulation, and chemical changes occur. 
Whether the cold be from wetting the hair, or locally applied in 
other parts of the body, the effect is the same. Pneumonia is 
caused by exposure of terminal nerve filaments to too much cold, 
and generally results from cold between the shoulder-blades and 
chest muscles — about the first to fourth dorsal vertebra; and 

(79) 



80 THS SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHALMOLOGY. 

there is one of the principal places to treat the system to relieve 
the nerve impingement and to relieve colds in the chest — in the 
lungs, as well as for coughs and asthma, bronchitis and all lung 
troubles, acute or chronic. 

In bathing the head, it should be done with care; that is, 
as regards exposure to the air for an undue time. It should be 
done hastily, and the hair wrapped in a napkin until thoroughly 
dried; then there is no danger of taking cold from bathing the 
hair. The natural way of doing things is always the proper way 
to do them. Cleanliness may be observed with scrupulous care ; 
but even common sense is required to do it right, and as all people 
need to be taught how to do things, we have aimed to do our part. 

The congested condition of the blood necessarily increases 
its density, and especially when the watery portion exudes from it, 
through the small channels of lymphatics leading to the mucous 
surface, leaving the normal constituents deficient, and the stasis 
of the brood having caused chemical changes to take place therein, 
irritation ensues, the tissues dilate, a greater accumulation of 
lymph infiltrates the tissues and fever ensues, and any condition 
may take place in any of the tissues involved and we may have 
any sort of affection to which mucous membranes are liable -— 
enlarged tonsils, scarlet fever, diphtheria, malignant sore throat, 
and closure of the frontal sinuses, eustachian tubes, causing deaf- 
ness, or even diseases of the trachea, bronchial tubes, even down 
into the finer ramifications of the lungs, culminating in pneu- 
monia, or even tuberculosis, and not a " bug " be involved in the 
case. The fact is, "Bugs" (bacteria) do not cause diseases. 
There never was a flimsier excuse for diseases than the " bug 
theory." If these are involved in the case, it is after the disease 
is advanced sufficiently to form a nidus for their habitation, and 
under these circumstances may do harm; but healthy blood is 
certainly not infected with them. It is a singular fact, not- 
withstanding the asserted cause of typhoid fever having its origin 
in a specific bacteria, that a good, strong spinal treatment knocks 
the bugs into " kingdom come" and stops the fever as if by magic, 
so that if the " bugs " were the causus belli, they are an army with 
very weak fortifications ! The facts are, as stated elsewhere, when 



THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHALMOLOGY. 8l 

the two forces are united (which is a result of proper spinal 
treatment), the cause is removed which perpetuates the so-called 
typhoid fever (bacilla), and Nature restores the normal conditions 
to harmony, and the fever vanishes like frost before a warm 
morning sunshine. 

The same is true of many — in fact, all — other functional 
disturbances. The freedom of the fluids of the body to circulate 
insures the individual against diseases of all sorts. The unim- 
pinged and non-exhausted nervous system throughout the body 
furnishes, of all things, the surest immunity against diseases. 
These are the prophylactics, the remedies for all ills of a physical 
character, and in all places at all times; hence the greatest boon 
in this regard the world has ever known, and these principles 
will be recognized in time. The absolute results of this method 
of relieving human suffering commend it to one and all alike, and 
it is so simple and easily understood that all may appropriate it — 
use it. 

The use of disinfectants constitute an essential element in 
the treatment of catarrh and all mucous membrane affections, 
because the exudate is more or less infectious, and contact with 
healthy tissue sooner or later influences it for evil — by what we 
call catalysis. Salt is the best disinfectant known, and the least 
harmful of all known to mankind. Three-fourths of the surface 
of the earth is covered with a strong solution of this wonder- 
ful health restorative agent, and almost everything else has 
been resorted to that inventive genius could devise and fraudulent 
schemers could concoct to deceive the deluded sufferers. The 
first, the best, and only natural remedy, as a local application, is 
salt, in various strengths of solution, snuffed up the nostrils, and 
back through the posterior nares into the throat, or forced there 
by a spray instrument in the form of a nebulizer, which may be 
purchased at any drug store. The strength should be in the 
proportion of one tablespoonful of common table salt to one pint 
of water. (Don't guess at it; measure it and be sure.) This 
solution should be used three or four times at a sitting, and three 
or four times each day. The patient should be instructed to use 
considerable force in drawing this up into the nostrils each time. 
(7) 



82 THE SCIENCE; OF NSURO-OPHTHALMOLOGY. 

It should be gone at in a busine-gi way — no foolishness about 
this — and stick to it until cured. It will hurt, if there is much 
inflammation in the nose ; but don't mind the hurting ; use it every 
day as above directed, and it will cure the catarrh in about six 
weeks to two months. This should be used occasionally after- 
ward, when there is a seeming incipient catarrh of the mucous 
membrane, and no other remedy will ever be needed for that 
sort of trouble. The patient must be taught to take, and to con- 
tinue deep breathing at stated intervals ; for it will be remembered 
that deep breathing insures "purification of the blood" for no 
disease will get well without oxygenation of the blood. If all 
would observe these directions, there would be no necessity for 
changing climates for catarrh, or any other disease. Breathing is 
as essential as blood itself, and the blood soon dies without coming 
in contact with the oxygen of the atmosphere, and this air is in 
proper proportion. All one has to do is to open his nostrils, close 
his mouth, and let God's pure air enter his lungs, in sufficient 
quantity to inflate all the air-cells of the lungs, to be well. 

When there is a catarrhal condition of the eyes, the applica- 
tion of salt water, in the proportion of a tablespoonful to a pint 
of water, is the remedy par excellence. This should be applied 
by means of soft cloths, wrung out of the above solution, and 
applied on the outside of the eyelids, across the nose, covering 
both eyes, and rewetting these cloths at intervals of five minutes, 
continuing this course for half an hour, or even more, at a sitting, 
and repeating the treatment two or three times a day, depending 
upon the severity of the condition involved. If there is pain in 
the eyes, always use the application as hot as can be borne by the 
patient, repeating applications every few moments until relieved ; 
and it is best to exclude the light from the eyes, or be in a darkened 
room. If there are ulcerations on the cornea, be sure to stretch 
the upper lids by introducing the finger under the lid at the outer 
canthus, palm surface next to under surface of the lid, thumb out- 
side ; now gently pull the lid from the cornea, and with a sliding 
motion, step by step, as it were, with thumb and finger squeezing 
the upper lid as the steps are being made with finger and thumb 
along the whole under surface of the lid. The fingers should 



THE SCIENCE OF" NEURO-OPHTHALMOLOGY. 83 

always be unquestionably clean, and care being taken to keep the 
nail of the finger, turned to the cornea, in the inside of upper fold 
of lid, and having the finger wetted in water — or the salt water 
solution — before introducing it into the eye. 

It is necessary that these details be strictly followed, for this 
is not advised simply for " fun," but to relieve the sufferer. This 
instruction means something, and is not like any other treat- 
ment known, outside of what I published in my book, " Oste- 
opathy Illustrated." To those who have used that book, what is 
there taught needs no commendation, as it speaks for itself among 
all who have used it as directed. The use of these means will 
astonish the user, especially in cases of granulated eyelids, for 
the removal of the pressure does the work. Of course, the cor- 
rection of the hyperopia should receive due attention so as to 
insure against future attacks, not only for granulated eyelids, but 
for the ulcerations on the cornea. 

FOR IRITIS. 

We would recommend the use of atropine — four grains to 
the ounce of distilled water, two to four drops dropped into the 
eyes, head turned in such a position as to let solution run out of 
the eyes at outer canthus, repeating application as needed for relief 
of iritis, so as to insure against adhesions of iris to the cornea, or 
to break them up if formed. (In children's eyes, one-half the 
strength of solution should be used.) 

SPECIAL CONDITIONS REQUIRE SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS. 

There will be an occasional case come under the observation 
of every practitioner, in the course of his career, which seems to 
have gone beyond all possible reach of help. We have in mind 
a case of complications with catarrh, bronchitis and pneumonia, 
where all of the mucous membranes are completely clogged up, 
as it were ; the nose seems to have passed the period of usefulness, 
completely closed with a thick, gluey secretion ; the throat exhibits 
a thickened condition of the mucous membrane clear down into 
the oesophagus, and the bronchi are so filled that it is difficult 



84 THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHALMOU>GY. 

to breathe ; one or more divisions of the lungs are in a hepatized 
state, and it would seem as if all the air passages would soon 
close and he pass to the beyond. The veins seem to stand out in 
great blue ridges, almost black from want of air, and hard because 
their channels are narrowed — many of them closed — and there 
the patient sits gasping for breath, not able to sit up, and can 
not lie down for fear of an entire cessation of breathing. 

In this condition, what must be done to relieve the engorge- 
ment? If the air tubes could be disengorged. the patient might 
survive, and for this reason we suggest the following as a last 
resort : Place a handful of " chicken feathers " in a vessel and 
set them on fire, or put them on coals of fire ; throw a blanket over 
the head of the patient in such a manner as to let the smoke be 
inhaled, watching the patient that he is not smothered, but let him 
inhale a good quantity of these fumes of smoke, and directly the 
engorgement begins to loosen, so that every tube will be emp- 
tied of its contents, and now you have saved the life of that 
case. Care should be observed as to taking cold after such an 
ordeal, and the spinal treatment once or twice a day will insure a 
speedy recovery of that sort of a case. This is not any part of 
my system of practice, but a condition that one might find, and 
if a human being is worth saving, it is well to know what to do. 
It is not all " adjustments " nor glasses we have had experience 
in. They are the proven means ; so is what we .have above 
recorded. Good nursing and a little common sense are excellent 
commodities in cases of emergency. I have simply thrown this 
in, as necessity might force it into use some time. The philosophy 
of the procedure is, it relieves the pressure on terminal nerve 
fibers. Strong spinal adjustments would do the same thing in 
an earlier stage ; but this is a dernier. 

SAI/f AS A STOPPER OF BLEEDING FROM THE LUNGS. 

Let the patient eat it, swallow it with water — any way to get 
it down — and it will usually stop the bleeding. It is always 
at hand. 



THE SCIENCE OF" NEURO-OPHTHALMOLOGY. 85 

THE BIO-CHEMICAL ELEMENTS — TISSUE ELEMENTS. 

It would be disregarding a large field of our nature to neg- 
lect to say something about tissue elements, when these are what 
constitute the physical make-up of our bodies. These elements 
are sometimes deficient in the food we live on, and the results are 
apparent to an observing mind. The nervous system is the 
medium through which all thought-communication takes place, 
and these are made up of the elements from the blood, and these 
from what is eaten; and inasmuch as the elements are essential 
in the nerve structure, for normal communication of nerve power, 
we should pay attention to this part of our means to arrest the 
nerve waste — relieve the nerve strain — which, if continued, 
would intercept results our treatment is designed to accomplish. 
No case will be in a normal condition unless the elements are 
supplied, either by the use of the food containing them, or sup- 
plied by direct means — that of furnishing them to the patient. 
These, be it understood, are not medicines in the common accepta- 
tion of the use of that commodity, but one of the elements of the 
system essential to its very existence and harmony. These are 
the things we recommend to the patient in the change of diet, in 
the change of living, in the change of habits. 

There are certain characteristics Nature manifests when there 
is an excess or a deficiency in these elements, or any one of them ; 
and unless supplied in food, should be otherwise. They are best 
supplied in the form of two-grain tablets., obtainable at any 
homoeopathic pharmacy, or of almost any homoeopathic physician. 
It is well to study this department thoroughly, as well as the die- 
tary list found elsewhere in this book, which will generally be 
found adequate to satisfy all cases ; but should it not be, resort 

Jj should be had to the tissue elements. 

•' To object to this would only exhibit a narrow-minded preju- 

dice, unworthy the thought of any intelligent person. Nature 
demands a substance to manifest itself in, on, or through. The 
Schussler Tissue Elements are the best in general use, and are 
nicely put up in bottles in potencies. The third to the sixth 



86 THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHAI<MOI<OGY. 

potency are the most commonly used. There are twelve of them. 
It is a remarkable fact that, when rightly used, the system is 
always benefited thereby. I shall not enter into a description of 
their uses, for this is fully explained in other books especially 
devoted to the subject, and it would involve more time than I care 
to take to elucidate this subject fully; so I shall only recommend 
the reader to refer to this subject as his interest demands., and 
as necessity compels their use. 



DISLOCATION OF VERTEBRAE THE CAUSE 

OF DISEASE. 



Dr. D. D. Palmer, of Davenport, Iowa, roundly asserts that 
"pinched nerves are the cause of eighty or ninety per cent, of all 
diseases" ; and he also asserts, and states in his journal, that "all 
nerves which influence any part of the system emerge from the 
spine." That he is mistaken in the latter expression one only 
has to refer to nerves which come from the brain, end in the nasal 
organs, in the eyes, in the ears and teeth, which are certainly not 
spinal nerves. What part of the spine does the sixth nerve come 
from? What part the fourth? What part the auditory? One 
only exposes his ignorance by such assertions. No science can be 
strengthened by assuming too much for it, nor about it. 

That there are impingements of nerves along the spine we 
readily and freely grant, and know to be a fact; but to assert 
that luxations, or even partial luxations, as he is wont to assert, 
are responsible for nerve impingements, we most emphatically 
deny. Any one who ever examined a spinal column can very 
readily see that to dislocate a vertebra, absolute violence must be 
inflicted ! When a vertebra is luxated anywhere, a paralysis 
immediately ensues to all parts below the luxation, in which the 
nerves coming out of the foramina below the luxation occur, and 
suspension of all functions where the nerves below the part end. 
The most easily luxated vertebra is said to be the fifth cervical, 
and it requires a direct force to produce such a condition. Simply 
the deviations of contour of the spinous processes do not prove 
luxations, for the bones are in no way luxated necessarily, because 
the processes deviate; even in curvature there is not generally a 
luxation, if ever, but simply an abnormal muscular atrophy on 
the concave side of the curve, due to primary irritation of nerve 
filaments ending in that part — squeezing the blood out, lessening 

(87) 



88 THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHALMOIXKJY. 

nutrition, and producing permanent contraction. A condition of 
gradual nerve-waste goes on in the muscular system anywhere the 
muscular system contracts permanently, or for any considerable 
length of time, which is the condition in all cases of spinal curva- 
ture. Contraction of muscle is a prime factor in drawing the 
spinous process aside — that Palmer calls luxations. The facts 
prove otherwise generally. 

The very structure of the bones of the spine show a compact- 
ness which precludes the very idea of " luxation." It is a known 
fact that white cartilaginous tissue is non-elastic, and that sort 
prevails in the make-up of the coverings of the spine. The white 
fibro-cartilaginous tissue has the property of toughness, but not 
much elasticity, and between the vertebrae there seems to be a 
degree of sponginess which affords a spring-like cushion, prevent- 
ing, perhaps, brain concussion in sudden movements, as in walking 
and jumping. 

The. cartilages which hold the vertebrae together possess a 
large quantity of that kind denominated white fibrous, non-elastic 
constituents, and is strong enough to draw the periosteum from its 
attachment before giving away, or stretching perceptibly. With 
that sort of tissue on the anterior aspect of the whole spinal column 
and sides, and the various fibro-cartilaginous attachments to the 
posterior aspect, including the lamina and processes, with the five 
layers of muscular fiber and their fascia, it would seem strange 
that a little contraction of a muscle, through nerve irritation, 
should cause a luxation! 

We are inclined to attribute the belief of spinal luxation, or 
sub-luxation, to a morbid mental conception, rather than to any- 
thing else. Hence luxations of the spine are not causes of dis- 
ease. That is an assumption without the shadow of a possibility 
only in cases of positive violence. 

Then how do you account for spinal adjustment? We have 
no assurance of adjustment where no luxations exist, and when 
they are not out. That spinal treatment results are certain and 
astonishing we accord knowingly. That they are brought about 
by restoring luxated vertebrae we as positively deny. There is no 
accounting for the theories promulgated by Dr. Palmer. Having 



THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHAI<MOI,OGY. 89 

been familiar with his assumptions since 1898, and knowing his 
peculiar bent of mind, we hesitate not to state that his "adjust- 
ment/' as he terms it, does good ; but his theories are amuck. He 
advocated " anchylosis " at one time as the cause, but I have not 
heard of that lately. His assumptions do not annul effects, for 
great good results from spinal treatment. 

"THE PINCHED NERVES" — "UJXATIONS A CAUSE." 

There are certain persons who are wont to believe assertions 
regardless of a reason. Any sort of a reason seems to satisfy some 
that a thing is so simply from the fact that it is said in connec- 
tion with a thing they do not understand. The " mysterious " 
always has been a bane to human progress. Let one become fas- 
cinated with a delusion, and there is an almost absolute suspen- 
sion of reason. But one faculty in the brain is excited; it being 
utterly devoid of reason and having no limitation, carries the sub- 
ject clear out into space, and generally leaves him there alone and 
wrapped in hopeless delusion. Ignorance of what one's faculties 
are, and what they stand for, and what a healthful combination 
is, and the results thereof, are questions but little heeded by the 
masses ; this has produced the " floundering " for ages, and set at 
naught many well-meant problems. 

A man says he " originated an idea," and if, perchance, some 
one else had the same idea for years, the latter, having more com- 
bativeness and approbativeness and executiveness, springs it upon 
the public as " his own," and no reason offered, nor absolute proof, 
changes the idea in his brain ; and being " acquisitive " to a large 
degree, persistency, characteristic of the faculties which lend sup- 
port to the other faculties, holds sway, and the fight continues. 
There may not be a single principle involved, but the stubborn 
will holds out to the very last, despite of reason, common sense, 
or truth ! 

Any philosophy, to be beneficial to the people, must be reason- 
able, provable and simple, easy of application, effectual in the line 
claimed. If every man would be honest enough to recognize the 
limitations of human power, and the circumscribed limitations of 



90 TH^ SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHAI^MOIvOGY. 

human intellect, the world would be better off. Old rubbish must 
be eliminated, new thought investigated, and practical principles 
applied and fully demonstrated, and be molded in the mind long 
enough to become fixed, then the world will be bettered, by being 
> filled with what tends to uplift everybody. When men and women 
of matured intellects shall be the educators, instead of young girls, 
and boyish urchins are eliminated from our public schools of 
learning, and proper mental thoughts imbibed from mature minds, 
the world will be on the road to progress. 

WHAT CONDITION DO WE RELIEVE IN SPINAL TREATMENT? 

Inasmuch as we deny luxations being the causes of nerve- 
impingements, we proceed to state the reasons for results obtained 
in this peculiar treatment. That want of normal elimination of 
waste material — lack of metabolism — allows accumulation in 
the tis'sue, we have reasons to believe, and that these accumula- 
tions separate nerve-end footlets, and the accumulation presses 
against sensory fibers, causing pain, is doubtless the case in many 
instances. Then, as we have said elsewhere, that two forces con- 
trol the entire physical organism, the separation of the poles of 
these two forces allows of an excess of either the one or the other 
products of the forces to accumulate, and if an acid in excess 
accumulates, irritation ensues, producing contraction of muscular 
or other tissue, and pain is the result ; and if the negative force 
predominates, a breaking down of the tissues takes place, and 
hence we have boils, typhoid fever, or any other condition which 
chemical changes may produce anywhere in the body where the 
end footlets of nerves are distributed. 

This is verified in the fact that when we have an excess of 
the positive element in the stomach, we have colic, and the treat- 
ment of the spine, from which point emanate the nerves which end 
in the stomach, positively and instantaneously stops the pain — 
the colic. That same kind of result takes place in typhoid fever, 
diphtheria, or any other condition involved. This accounts, 
rationally, for the two forces governing all action, or result of 
pressure, accumulation or atrophy of muscle, spinal curvature, or 



I 



THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHALMOLOGY. 91 

whatever pathological condition is manifested in conditions called 
disease. The "adjustment," as Dr. Palmer calls it, of the spine 
unites these two forces, and a neutralization of the acid and the 
alkaline elements ensues. The stimulation resulting from the 
treatment increases the metabolism, and elimination of the accum- 
ulation in the parts is dispersed, and blood is allowed to flow and 
nerves are freed from pressure, and, their end-footlets united, har- 
mony is restored at once. Every case on record of relief is a veri- 
fication of this two- force influence. 



FURTHER CONSIDERATION OF THE DIS- 
COVERY OF CHIROPRACTIC. 



Whether discovered in Bohemia or America, that does not 
influence its value to humanity. The only thing that concerns 
us is, that so much good to humanity should have been dormant 
and almost obscured for over half a century, and the only way we 
can account for the delay is, that it was discovered by a physician. 
Methinks we hear some medicine man say to Dr. Dvorsky : " Be 
careful, Doctor; if you let your secret out, our whole scheme of 
making medicine appear what we long have tried to make the 
people believe it, a science, will be absolutely thwarted. ,, We 
are constrained to believe that medical men are inclined to assume 
to be arrogant, self-assertive, and assume to know really more 
than they do, and having but one way to cover up their mis- 
takes — that of " burying them " — they don't want to shoulder 
the responsibility of a " new idea " — a new process of healing — 
until others have tried it long enough for it to have become " pop- 
ular," and then they will boldly assert that " I always knew it." 
This actually seems true, doesn't it? If the thing becomes pop- 
ular, then a very pompous mortal will rear back on his dignity 
and say : " Well, I have made a new discovery on how to use that 
method, discovered away back yonder by that old Doctor." 

The Doctors are no exception to the rule. All men are 
inclined to be selfish, more or less. It were a great pity that 
men were not "man to brothers be," and show forth more of the 
"milk of human kindness," and "look not on his own things, but 
on the things of others" as of equal worth to his assumed own. 

Now we think we shall have shown the philosophy of this 
"spinal adjustment" up so clearly that there will be no doubt as 
to what it is, why it effects such wonderful cures, and why the 
" click " is heard in the " adjustment," so called. The clicking 

(92) 



THE SCIENCE OP NEURO-OPHTHALMOLOGY. 93 

is not the result of "an adjustment of a spine" any more than 
the cracking of my fingers, when bent in a given way, are. The 
lack of a knowledge of the real facts .is the cause of the false 
explanation of the cause of the sound heard in treatment, and 
undue assumption of the word " adjustment " for " treatment " is 
a manifestation of absolute ignorance of the facts in the case. 
How can an adjustment occur when there is none, as assumed 
by Langworthy and Palmer, and most of their students? 

WHO DISCOVERED THE CHIROPRACTIC METHOD OF TREATMENT f 

It now seems evident that it was discovered over sixty years 
ago, from a sworn statement of a man born in Trebane, Bohemia, 
which is as follows : 

" I am seventy-three years of age, and was born in Trebane, 
Bohemia. My father's name was Frank Dvorsky, and we both 
came to America in 1866. When I was about twelve years old, 
I was taken with an infectious disease, supposed to have been 
caught from cattle. The right side of my body and arm were 
badly swollen, and pus was forming in a number of places on 
the arm. I was bedfast, and the village doctor was called in. 
He considered my case a grave one, and said the only show to 
save my life was to amputate the arm. Then my father called in 
Dr. Epstan, who lived in Liten, but who practiced in Prague. 
After lancing my arm, he treated my spine, making the bones 
crack ; he gave me no medicine, and in less than a month I was 
up, and no symptoms of the disease ever returned. The Doctor 
taught this treatment to my father, and he in turn taught his 
children. Frank Dvorsky." 

The following we quote as a matter of history from the same 
source, in " Chiropractic Facts," published by Dr. S. M. Lang- 
worthy, Cedar Rapids, Iowa: 

"State of Iowa, Linn County, ss. 

"We, the undersigned, of the city of Cedar Rapids, Linn 
County, State of Iowa, being duly sworn, on oath state that we 
have heard the above sworn statement of Frank Dvorsky, of 



94 THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHALMOLOGY. 

Johnson County, Iowa, and made through his interpreter. We 
have also witnessed the spinal treatment given James A. 
Dvorsky by his father, the said Frank Dvorsky. We further 
swear that we witnessed Dr. S. M. Langworthy give a spinal 
adjustment illustrating his modern methods. 

" Signed by Charles A. Laurance, W. E. Holmes, John 
Fletcher, Milo P. Smith, J. P. Messer, Chas E. Putnam. 

" Subscribed and sworn to November 5, 1904, in the presence 
of and by James W. Clark, [seal] 

" intelligent nerves," " educated nerves/" " thermal 

nerves/' 

Some people become wise above what is written, as well as 
what is discoverable, or exists. Assumption, without proof, is 
simply an indication of mystic tendencies — something beyond the 
ken of mortals to search out. 

If there existed a necessity for "educated nerves," some 
excuse might be permissible to desire them ; but as no such neces- 
sity prevails, and as there could not, in the nature of things, be 
such a thing, we simply relegate the thought back to the realms 
of the unknowable — the Arcana. A man might as logically say 
a toe-nail could be educated as a nerve. Education only applies 
to the mind, and as nerves have no mind, they do not come 
under the domain of a growth in knowledge ; so that is the end 
of such a thing. Est ad absurdnm. 

The same may apply to " thermal nerves." Nerves are only 
the products of elementary constituents — simply selected matter 
formed by mind into tubes for the purpose of conveying thought, 
as an artery is formed for conveying fluid, each having only that 
special function — so it would be out of all reason to attribute 
functions to physical material without mind to direct results. The 
medium through which all action takes place in the body is the 
physical structure ; but all and every cause of manifestation is 
mind. When the channels are pervious, a normal condition exists 
everywhere in the body, and a disturbance of the media anywhere 
along the line, from origin to terminus, intercepts communication 



the; science of neuro-ophthalmology. 95 

of thought — mind — and inharmony is the inevitable and absolute 
consequence. 

All development, in all parts of the body, results from deposi- 
tion of the elements carried there in the blood, through the arterial 
system ; and the mind, through the nerves, superintends all growth, 
metabolism, and every other function which takes place in the 
physical organism. If this matter was understood, it would 
obviate much confusion and wild and hypothetic, unreasonable 
speculation, simply to bolster a self-laudatious egotism. One fact 
is worth more than all the theories in the realm of hallucid 
imaginations. 

WHAT EVERY READER OF THIS BOOK SHOULD CERTAINLY AND 

PERFECTLY UNDERSTAND. 

It being a principle in the Neuropathic Science which governs 
the law of treatment we so wish to be understood, and not to treat 
diseases by name. Find what particular set of nerves are involved 
and so treat the patient as to relieve the pressure upon them, and 
success will always follow ; your desire will be accomplished. For 
instance, when there is pain in the head, determine whether it 
be due to pressure upon nerves ending in the part pained, or due 
to the impingement of nerves ending in the stomach, due to sour 
stomach — too much gas in stomach — and if that be the case, 
the indications are plainly discernible: the spine needs attention 
right at one of the splanchnics ending in the solar plexus. That 
treated, unites the two forces — neutralizes the excessive acid 
and the pressure ceases — the pain ceases at once. 

No one need expect to be an expert in anything until he 
masters it in every detail. This book would not be within the 
bounds of a reasonable capacity were it to deal with a specific 
explanation of the commonly accepted pathology of the schools, 
and delineate every special symptom — pain — and trace it to its 
origin, and then specifically describe each and every movement 
necessary to right such conditions. The one wh odeals with this 
science is expected to have learned the philosophy concerning the 
facts upon which the science is based, and then be able to apply 



g6 THE SCIENCE OP NEURO-OPHTHALMOLOGY. 

it on general principles, and by so doing will be able to meet 
emergencies as they occur. Remember that the nervous system is 
to be freed from pressure as well as strain ; and if the trouble is 
found in the spine, treat the spine ; and if in the nerves ending 
in the eyes, see that means are instituted to stop that strain. 

This is not a guess-work science ; it has specific lines of 
indices, and the one who wishes to make a safe and certain journey 
to the goal must know the route to travel, and can not be certain 
unless he can read the guideboards at each turn of the road as he 
travels along. This is not a conjectural, blind way, but the way 
is plainly blazed all the way, and there are special lines on all sides 
which point with unerring certainty which way to travel to be sure 
to get into the right way — simply read the signs as they loom 
up before one. Remember that the whole man is involved in the 
nervous system. 

FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES INVOLVED IN NEUROPATHY. 

While each particular leash of the nervous system has its 
origin in the calvarium, and ends in a specific locality, and con- 
trols where it ends, yet with all this, we have, as it were, a gen- 
eral superintendence through the sympathetic nervous system, a 
general relationship throughout the entire body, so that " when 
one member suffers, all of the rest suffer with it." There are 
no " preferred classes " in the human body, and each of its mem- 
bers receives the same supervision, and all are useful in the body 
to constitute the grand total, the grand consummation into -a 
universal cosmos — a world. There being at least forty-two of 
these centers, all of them having specific functions to perform, 
we get at some sort of a system, or order, as to their functions by 
their effects in the various parts of the body. 

In the calvarium, mind begins its mission. Here, at the 
starting-point of the nervous system, mind begins to diffuse 
itself throughout every tissue in the body, so that, from the origin 
of the nerves, mind permeates to their end, and there the effect 
is manifest. These fibers end around capillaries, and superintend 
the selection of the various elements from the blood, through the 
walls of the capillaries, which build up the tissue in their vicinity, 



the science oe neuro-ophthalmology. 97 

which has survived its relationship to the surrounding tissue in 
that part, made it soluble, carried it back through the lymphatic 
tubes into the veins, and they into the heart; thence it is passed 
into the lungs, there oxygenated, and is returned to the heart, 
thence to the various parts of the body to rebuild wasted parts ; 
and so this eternal round goes on from moment to moment while 
life in the body lasts. The necessity of all the vessels being free 
from obstruction, so that all these fluids are permitted to circulate 
into their various departments, seems essential, and it must be; 
for should there be any delay in any part of the body in the 
onward course of the fluids, the accumulation at that point sep- 
arates nerve filaments, and a disturbance follows from local pres- 
sure, which changes the blood, and these being the changes which 
are incompatible with the tissue, or the surrounding tissue, a 
change of all the tissue involved ensues, and we have a nidus for 
starting a condition called disease — even an organic disease — 
for a change of tissue takes place which is altogether different 
from the normal tissue, and the nature of the disease depends 
upon the character of the tissue involved where the accumulation 
takes place. If the congestion is only temporary, only a dis- 
turbance of function ensues, and when the accumulation is dis- 
persed, there is a return to normal functions of the parts involved. 
The order of the processes of life in the human body are regular, 
uniform and exact — perfect in all parts of the body when it is 
normal. This, then, is the natural order of its workings, and it 
should be the business par excellence of the pathologist to see 
that such be maintained, and if found wrong, to right matters, 
so that Nature may perform her functions naturally. 

From the forty-two nerve centers we have a per-functionary 
effect in all parts of the body as every member has need. How 
this is carried on is largely conjectural, for we are not permitted 
to even see its workings, but are allowed only to see its effects, 
and as certain causes are followed by certain effects, we reason 
from the one to the other, and by these arrive at conclusions. The 
development of these centers of the cranium has been the careful 
study of phrenologists for many years, and it is a fairly well estab- 
lished fact, as we know, that the mind from these centers diffuses 
(8) 



98 THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHAtMOLOGY. 

its influence as the individual thinks. From these observations 
we learn that the mind, through the nervous system, controls the 
body, builds it, supports it, tears it down, and all from the material 
it received from without. This is all done through the suggestions 
received through the five senses, and from the elements in Nature 
it takes its supply and appropriate what it needs when left to 
Nature. 



PATHOLOGY CONSIDERED. 



SPECIAL DIRECTIONS TO THE MANIPULATOR OP DISEASES. 

In the analysis of diseases by the " yard stick " — the trial 
case — the condition of the nerve-power is ascertained and the 
indications revealed as to what is needed by patient. The arrest 
of nerve waste is the thing to* be done, and the " tank filled" and 
these meet the case absolutely, whether one knows a single thing 
about the special Pathology or not. The thing one should know 
is how much nerve power is being consumed daily ; and if there is 
enough to produce exhaustion, that must receive due attention, 
and then Nature does the rest, if she has the right material to 
replenish the waste — in food, air and water. 

If there is spinal trouble, that must be looked after and cor- 
rected. All bodily complaints are due to nerve strain or nerve 
pressure, and these must be attended to intelligently in order to 
render the aid necessary to restore the afflicted to that condition 
called health. We have said elsewhere that any bodily disorder 
may be relieved by the proper adjustment of the spine, and to 
verify this assertion the experience of the manipulator will bear 
us out. One does not need to know there is any particular local 
disease, for an examination of the spinous processes will reveal 
the fact of soreness somewhere along the sides of the vertebrae, 
or some disparagement of contour, and either of these conditions 
will be sufficient index to point out the trouble, whatever it is, 
and when that condition is righted, restoration at once ensues; 
sometimes at once, and at other times it may require several treat- 
ments. In many. cases, Osteopathy comes in excellent use. 

Remember that these things announced in this book cover the 
ground of treatment for all functional, human ills, and when 
understood, will not only take the prejudice out of one, but will be 
LciC. (99) 



100 THE SCIENCE OF NEUR0-0PHTHAI,M0U)GY. 

found to be the right things to be done when properly applied, and 
may be relied upon with full confidence of absolute satisfaction in 
all functional disorders. 

THE QUESTION OF DIAGNOSIS AND PATHOLOGY. 

In the general practice of medical treatment, one is asked: 
What is the trouble? What is the name of the affection? It 
would seem from these premises that the name had more to do 
with the case in hand than the treatment — than the means used 
to relieve the condition. We assume that " pathos " means 
" pain," " disease " — want of ease., and that what is commonly 
called disease is due to some interference with the nervous system, 
ending in the part diseased, and knowing that nomenclature is an 
arbitrary signification as it is applied, and the name does not let 
in any light upon the real condition, and that no single organ can 
be affected for any considerable time without the whole body 
becoming implicated, therefore the nomenclature would soon be 
swallowed up into a general dyscrasia, and per consequence the 
name would be absolutely misleading and erroneous. 

We would say further in reference to pathology, that the 
reader need not be mistaken as to our position in regard to nomen- 
clature; that names are given to diseases on account of the 
particular locality involved, as a rule, and have no special signifi- 
cation as to pathology. For instance, " pneumonia," which 
means inflammation of the lungs ; " tuberculosis," inflammation of 
a tube — applied to some tube in the lungs — meaning a diseased 
spot; and so we might say of all conditions called pathology. 
While it is well enough for the practitioner to understand path- 
ology, it can only be a source of satisfaction as regards locality of 
a disturbance, rather than indicative of what to do for it, unless, 
perchance, you wish to do as some medical practitioners do, treat 
the name without regard to the nature of the disease! Be it 
remembered, we do not treat chills, flux, colic, rheumatism, nor 
any other disease. Our treatment is directed to the cause of the 
difficulty, and the removal of that cause ! 

It is a fact, proven by much experience and close observation, 
that it makes no difference what name a disease is given, — that it 



THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHALMOLOCY. IOI 

has a cause for its existence somewhere in the nervous system, 
and as soon as the impingement which interferes with these nerves 
is removed, the disease, however malignant, acute or chronic, 
changes itself into one of health, be it typhoid fever, puerperal 
peritonitis or a headache; and this is what should be considered, 
in preference to spending time to find a " bug " to accuse of caus- 
ing the difficulty, when the poor little mite found its way to the 
pathological spot, after the nidus was formed by the decompo- 
sition of the tissues involved, due to the paralysis of the nerves 
ending in the spot or region diseased, and not as a prime factor in 
its cause. We detest a theory which has no possibility of veri- 
fication from actual demonstration. As long as the vague notion 
of the " bacteria theory " prevails we shall have foolish and igno- 
rant followers, who will continue to be duped and deceived, and 
pay big money to the deceivers. 

The individual who becomes wedded to a theory, and when 
asked to demonstrate it and has no proof, it is wisdom to leave 
that individual to his theory and resort to some one who has a 
system which can be proven, and unquestionably demonstrated, 
before the eyes of the commonest mind possible to be called sane. 
The physical body is a cosmos, and must be studied to be known, 
and when as much study is devoted to its complications, changes, 
and relation to environments as is given to theories concerning 
outside agencies, as a cause of diseases in the body, we will have 
less nonsense in books, and less sickness, and quicker relief when 
ill. The question of pathology resolves itself into nerve strain and 
nerve pressure, and freedom therefrom, .uniting the two forces, 
disease will be as easily controlled as eating a meal, and wifh 
as much dispatch. We shall hope that this system shall have 
started a thought which shall revolutionize the world of prac- 
titioners and put them to thinking along intelligent lines, which 
will culminate in great good to humanity by applying the true 
methods of healing. 

To illustrate what we mean, take, for example, a case of 
indigestion. We find that one of two conditions of the nervous 
system causes it: either the spinal nerves about the seventh or 
eighth dorsal are impinged, or there is hyperopia. We need not 



102 



the: science of neuro-ophthalmology. 



know anything about what is going on in the stomach, only that 
food causes pain, accumulation of gas and indigestion of food 
are the prominent characteristics. We haven't a single thing to 
do with the stomach, for the difficulty is not there, but in the 
nervous system, and correction of the nervous system, whether in 
those ending in the eyes or those emerging from the spine, sets 
matters to rights. The digestion of food, depending upon the 
character of the secretions formed in the various divisions of the 
alimentary tract, and these secretions are made up especially, for 
specific purposes, in the several glandular systems along the ali- 
mentary tract by certain nerves ending therein ; and these nerves 
perform normal functions when in a normal condition ; so it will 
be readily understood that the proper thing for the cure of any 
condition is to correct abnormal conditions of the nervous system, 
and nature cures. 

WHAT IS PATHOLOGY. 

In all of the books published on disease, the word "path- 
ology " heads all conditions called disease. It simply means 
"nerve pain," and yet diagnosticians are wont to say a great deal 
about everything else but pain, or even the involvement of the 
nervous system. 

It is only necessary to state here that we need no introduction 
to pathology, neither is it a part of the curriculum of neuropathy ; 
for we start out with the nervous system, and that is really all we 
have to do with, in this science, as we show that all disease means 
is a result of nerve pressure. This fact known, all we have to do 
with any individual as regards a disease is to remove the pressure 
from the nerves involved, and pain ceases, disease quits, — pain 
ceases; harmony is restored; nature is satisfied, and the patient is 
restored to health. Such names as are used by the medical pro- 
fession are considered irrelevant only in so far as organ or locality 
is concerned. The Neuropath does not treat names or disease, 
neither does he use medicine. His whole duty, and all that is 
needed to be done, is to remove the offender, the cause of the 
"lack of ease" — restore harmony by taking off the pressure from 
the nervous system which causes the pain, and that ends his task, 



N \ 



TIJE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHALMOLOGY. IO3 

so far as Neuropathy is concerned ; and in Ophthalmology all that 
he can do is to stop the waste through the eyes of the nerves 
ending therein, and that ends his responsibility. Nature does 
the rest. 

All disease being traceable to nerve interference, unnaturally, 
to cure all diseases we are only able to remove the undue pressure 
and stop the waste, then our work is ended. We need no analysis 
of urine, or minute differentiation of conditions of organs, for 
that is out of our line. The only change possible to make is 
through the removal of the cause of the difficulty, and if the con- 
dition is this side of the " limit angle," nature restores ; if not, the 
time of dissolution will soon show itself, and no remedy known 
to man will cure that state, or change it for the better. Nature's 
laws are irrevocable, and death is certain. Food and rest are all 
that patients need after our duty is done. This is irrevocable. 
No change will ever occur that will change this philosophy. Its 
application may be improved, but the same necessity of its 
application will always exist, and results as now continue. 

SOMETHING ABOUT BACTERIA AS A CAUSE OF DISEASE. 

Spontaneous generation of bacteria is said to manifest in 
certain conditions, causing what is called disease. While it is a 
fact that certain kinds of bacteria are seen when certain diseases 
are manifest is not denied, yet that they are the cause of said dis- 
eases does not follow ; for when the physical condition is one of 
health, nothing of the kind is present. The presence of said 
bacteria is only found where there is a perceptible nerve weak- 
ness, or where emaciation exists, and generally from exposure 
and fatigue for some time before any signs of the presence of the 
symptoms of disease exist, indicating the fact that any such a 
" causus belli" as bugs are involved in the case. 

The "prodromes" of most diseases are manifest long enough 
to prognose abnormality, and these are plainly indicative of nerve 
exhaustion — a letting down of physical strength — and this is 
positive evidence of there being no bacteria as yet connected there- 
with, for in the case of typhoid fever, one neuropathic "adjust- 



104 THE SCIENCE O* NEURO-OPHTHAI.MOLOGY. 

ment" restores the natural equilibrium, and bacilli are non est, 
for as yet no "nidus" has been formed for their habitation in the 
"Brunner's glands" nor "Peyer's patches," and the one adjust- 
ment absolutely and unquestionably scatters all signs of the lesion 
in ilium and intestinal tract. We assume that bacteria are innox- 
ious until a "nidus" is formed by effete matter, either from 
decomposition of congested venous blood, or a chemical change 
or changes therein, localizing somewhere in the mucous mem- 
brane where these microbes may migrate to, and inhabit elements 
prepared for their habitation compatible with their nature, and 
then they may assume command of the situation. Every foreign 
substance is a source of irritation, and this fact alone is antago- 
nistic to the introduction of drugs, or anything, into the system, 
but the food containing the normal elements. 

The coordination of the various parts of the body with each 
other fs sufficient to cause re-established harmony therein, and 
restore the body to its wonted physical condition. In the treat- 
ment and cure of malignant diphtheria, sore throat, and typhoid 
fevers, puerperal fever and pneumonia, and even cholera, are 
sufficient proofs of the efficacy of physical treatment. 



THE CEREBROSPINAL NERVOUS SYSTEMS. 



That the human body is composed of nerves, very profusely, 
the anatomist readily admits. That the nerves perform, or seem 
to, all the functions performed by the body, is admitted. The 
how they do it is quite another proposition, and not so easily 
understood, and not so readily demonstrated. Phrenologists have 
shown that localities called faculties have the characteristics of 
development, or non-development, according as they are exer- 
cised — used. From this premise we conclude that thought is the 
prime moving cause of development, and that inasmuch as the 
body in all its parts is built up by the material sent there in the 
fluids, and that these fluids go to all parts through channels called 
arteries, and that all of these are surrounded by muscles, and that 
these muscles are controlled by nerves ending in them, and that 
the contractions and relaxations of these muscles result in the 
rhythmical movements called peristalsis, and that through these 
movements the fluid is distributed everywhere in the body, it fol- 
lows that the nervous system is the prominent factor in the body. 

AU, DISEASE DUE TO NERVE WASTE. 

To the individual who has been a victim of medicine the above 
assertion seems strange. That all functional disorders change to a 
normal condition when the waste ceases, nothing is more easily 
demonstrated, nor is any proposition more reasonable. That the 
waste can be absolutely arrested is unquestionable; hence a cure 
of all functional ills is a certainty. It is not anything like the 
administration of medicines, for that is based largely upon a sup- 
position and the effects are doubtful under the most favorable 
conditions, for they may injure rather than benefit ; whereas, the 

(105) 



106 THE SCIENCE OP NEURO-OPHTHALMOU)GY. 

method which stops the waste is certain. Which has the greater 
claim upon the individual who desires to be cured of disease? 
The assurance of being well is a desideratum worthy of the pro- 
foundest consideration from all. This system is correct, for it is 
susceptible of actual demonstrations as to its certainty. 

SOME REASONS WHY STOPPING THE WASTE OP THE NERVES CURES. 

The first is, every tissue in the body is said to be under the 
direct control of nerve influence. No action, sensation or motion 
of the body can possibly take place without nerve impression. All 
of the nerves are the media through which the mind is conveyed, 
and hence essential. The nerves, being essential to the conduction 
of mental influence, must be in a normal state. The elements of 
the nerves are the product of the blood, and the blood is the pro- 
duct of the food eaten, the water drank and the air breathed, 
and these all being manufactured therefrom, it is important that 
the food be of a character which contains the elements necessary 
to manufacture the nerve elements fitted for the conduction of 
(mind) nerve power, to execute the desires of the mind in the 
superintendence of action, sensation and sympathy throughout the 
body, so that harmony may at all times exist. 

The crudity of the knowledge of physical action does not 
suffice for an excuse for the chronic condition of so many people, 
for it has no redeeming quality in it. Intelligent comparison 
shows the better way to be one which has a certainty of analysis 
and a sure way of arriving at the exact quantity of nerve power ; 
how much is being wasted in a given period, and a most positive 
method of arresting the loss every second of wakeful hours. That 
being the cause of sickness — we mean nerve waste — is it not a 
reasonable proposition that when the waste is arrested, stopped, 
that disease will also stop — cease to be — provided the proper 
elements are used as food to rebuild the waste tissue ? With this 
proposition before the reader, does it not seem wise to consider it, 
and investigate its philosophy, its methods of relief, and if one 
desires to be restored to health, to practice what seems the most 
reasonable course to obtain that result? 






THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHALMOLOGY. 



io 7 



THE INFLUENCE OF SOME LEADING PHYSICIANS. 

It has been my good pleasure to gather around me some of 
the medical fraternity who are averse to prejudice, and who have 
had the honesty of purpose to investigate facts, and who do them- 
selves the justice to weigh matters without prejudice, and have 
taken up the study of Ophthalmology as taught by Professor 
Charles McCormick, of Chicago, the originator of the new philos- 
ophy, that of removing nerve leakage through the eyes, and thereby 
husbanding nerve power. Their names are Drs. J. W. Dill, Frank- 
lin, Indiana; S. J. Ricker, Aurora, Illinois; J. L. Shilts, Verona, 
Ohio; and Professor McCormick himself has taken and thor- 
oughly indorsed Neuropathy as taught by myself, and these men 
have had much experience along medical and other lines of prac- 
tice, some thirty years, and none less than eighteen years, of 
extended experience in other lines. It has proven of eminent 
satisfaction with these men, and some of them are using it in the 
treatment of acute cases, even that of typhoid fevers, most satis- 
factorily, curing them in three or four treatments, arresting the 
fever after a duration of ten days in three treatments of the spine, 
to the astonishment of self and patients and friends. 

We learned the fundamental principles of Osteopathy from 
Dr. A. T. Still, Kirksville, Missouri. Our book, "Osteopathy 
Illustrated," shows how much we know of that philosophy. The 
science of removing nerve strain from nerves ending in the eyes 
is justly due to the discoveries of Professor Charles McCormick, 
of Chicago, Illinois, and the Chiropractic method of adjustment 
of the spinal vertebrae was taught us by its originator, Dr. D. D. 
Palmer, of Davenport, Iowa. Our studies and pupilage in the 
other various schools and colleges, together with much thought 
on our own part, have culminated in what we denominate Neuro- 
Ophthalmology, a science which embraces the entire nervous sys- 
tem, the only healing science extant which does this. We readily 
concede to all the above the honor due them, and present this book 
as the culmination of their and our own thoughts, systematized 
and made applicable to all functional conditions called disease, 
assuming the prerogative of claiming a conspicuous place among 



I08 THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHAI,MOI,OGY. 

a great and honorable class of professional men and women whose 
lives are devoted to that of an endeavor to ameliorate suffering 
humanity. 

THE CONTRAST IS APPARENT, AND TOO PALPABLE TO BE MISTAKEN. 

An innumerable host of afflicted mortals suffer the "torments 
of the damned" under the egoism of medical practitioners even 
after spending years of study in medical colleges, after sumptuous 
stuffing with lore, which pertains to knowledge of how to give 
poisons so as not to kill, in cases diagnosed as disease. Some of 
these learned specimens of the genus homo progeny and outputs 
of medical institutions know about as much about causes of disease 
as the "bugs" they denominate "bacillium," et id omne genus. 
The idea of them scurrilizing others for not being "regulars" is 
simply preposterous! 

After being tortured with pain and medication for months by 
one of these " college experts," the poor victim finds relief almost 
instantaneously at the hands of an Osteopath, or one called a 
Chiropractic, and then the learned doctor will declare that "there 
was nothing scarcely the matter." A child falls, becomes lame; 
muscles atrophy because of strain, and a suggestion to use a plas- 
ter of paris cast is made ; but, lo, some sensible mother interferes, 
and the child is taken to a Neuropath, and one adjustment is made, 
and the child is freed from its months of sufferings, sleeps soundly 
the first night, and soon resumes normal and certain immunity 
from the trouble. This is only a circumstance, for thousands 
occur all over the country, and still the Legislatures enact laws 
to protect the "dear people" (doctors only are protected in their 
diabolical and infamous ignorance and dishonesty) . Honest seek- 
ers after truth are handicapped and proscribed by a clique whose 
very profession is a burlesque on intelligence and advancement. 

Another kind of ignorance is manifest in cutting muscles for 
cross eyes. The oculists haven't learned that this condition is due 
to nerve irritation, and that the muscle is no more at fault than 
the north star! But they do cutting still, simply because the 
teachers told them to, without reason, common sense or knowl- 



THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHALMOLOGY. ICK) 

edge ; and if the eye flops the other way, they cut again, or put 
in a check stitch. Humanity is the willing victim of stereotyped 
imposition of just such a class of things called doctors. They 
certainly need stern rebukes, laid on with much force of emphasis. 
The idea of the lawmakers making laws of proscription for some- 
thing better, and pandering to the pleadings of lobbyists to enact 
practic acts which protect only doctors! 

THE NECESSITY OP ANALYZING CORRECTLY. 

In arriving at a correct knowledge of the conditions, and 
knowing what leashes of nerves are involved, and then knowing 
the functions of the nerves affected, constitutes a large and impor- 
tant part of the work of a Neuro-ophthalmologist, for it is a 
known fact that every part of the body has its particular nerve 
supply, and these control those parts uniformly. This superin- 
tendence is perfect when there is no interference along the line of 
communication from origin to terminus of the nerve or nerves 
controlling any part ; and yet there is a sympathetic relationship 
throughout the whole body, not in a sense of control, but what is 
known as general oversight. This further demonstrates the fact 
that nerve filaments are a media through which mind is commu- 
nicated from the brain to every tissue in the body, for in order 
that there be no schism in the body anywhere, some one power 
must have complete control over it in all its parts, for no one body 
can " serve two masters " at the same time. 

A PEW DIRECT POINTS ABOUT CAUSES OP DISEASE. 

The word disease means pain, and no disease can exist with- 
out a disturbance of some one or more of the functions of the 
body. If all the parts are normal, and each function is being 
executed properly, health is a normal consequence. Therefore, to 
be diseased, there is abnormal pressure, impeded flow of the fluids, 
or dislocation of some part of the framework of the body, or a 
deficiency of element or elements, to constitute normal or chemical 
union. There being two forces in the body, which are generated 
and perpetuated by nerve power (mind), these (forces) must be 
in a condition of coalescence, and both permitted to act in unison 



110 THE SCIENCE OP NEURO-OPHTHALMOLOGY. 

or separately, as demanded, at all times and in all parts of the 
body, neutralizing excesses of acids or alkaline constituents. And 
all can be done, if out of harmony, by a double process of action, 
the first by taking ofif the pressure from the impinged nerves, and 
the other by removing the strain, or stopping the leakage, due to 
overuse of organs. 

This embraces the whole field of the healing art. Whatever 
part Osteopathy does in that regard by its peripheral, manipu- 
latory process and setting the bones, contributes so much to the 
accomplishment of the end desired; and whatever Chiropractic 
science does in "freeing the impingement of spinal nerves," also 
.does so much to relieve the nerves involved; and whatever else 
is essential to relieve "nerve strain" from overuse and stop the 
leakage, keep it closed and replenish the waste, consummates the 
whole process of healing. 

The* assumption that any one of these processes constitutes 
a perfect science is rather a stretch of the imagination than a 
demonstrable truth. The principles involved are harmonious, and 
all along the right lines, in the right direction, we most confidently 
and earnestly believe, and feel satisfied we are able to fully and 
comprehensively demonstrate to the satisfaction of the most skep- 
tical. We claim to know the reasons for all of the means instituted 
and mentioned above, having mastered them as nearly as possible. 

THE PHILOSOPHY OP HEADING. 

One may know all the manipulations of Osteopathy, which 
claims to remove all obstacles from the blood vessels and free the 
circulation, adjust the bony structure, and take off all the pressure 
from the nervous system emanating from the spinal cord, and 
supply all the "tissue remedies" indicated; but unless he stops 
the leakage, which is the result of overstrained nerves of the eyes, 
his patients will never be restored to normal health. The pro- 
cesses used by specialties may be good, but they are limited in 
their spheres. This body is a "cosmos," and must be treated as 
such to be righted when it gets wrong. That there, should have 
been any manipulatory measures instituted shows the necessity 



THE science; op neuro-ophthalmology. hi 

for them. All mechanical appliances, to be effectual, must do the 
work of freeing the strain and pressure from the nervous system, 
or the freedom of the circulation amounts to but little as regards 
the things demanded in the cure of diseases. 

THE PHILOSOPHY OF PHYSICAL MANIPULATIONS AS A MEANS OF 
REMOVAL OF PATHOLOGICAL CONDITIONS REGARDED AS DISEASE. 

It has been urged by some that impingement of nerves is due 
to partial or complete dislocation of bone — vertebra — generally, 
and that the adjustment of these bones sets in order the whole 
difficulty ; in other words, relieves the suffering, rights the wrong. 
While it is proper and right to adjust the bones when out of place, 
it does not follow that all disease is a result of dislocated bone, 
nor that because there is a pain anywhere does it necessarily follow 
that a bone or a vertebra is dislocated ; neither does it follow that, 
because a snap or sound is heard when manipulations are made, 
a luxation has been reduced, or that a bone was replaced, or, in 
fact, that it was luxated. 

The ridiculousness of assuming to set a spine every time it 
clicks, or makes a noise as of cracking the finger joints, only 
louder, i$ a subterfuge to show wisdom superior to others. If 
there could be such a thing as a luxated vertebra when such an 
occurrence takes place, the verdict would be legion, for it does not 
take much of a pressure on a vertebra to make a noise similar to 
the "cracking" of the finger joints. 

There is great reason to seek to know the truth regarding 
the above state of affairs. That there are certain nerves released 
along the spine by a "peculiar movement" is a demonstrated fact; 
but that results follow only when the famous click is heard is in 
no sense the whole truth ; nor does it follow that typhoid fever is 
cured as the result of the reduction of a luxation; neither is it 
probable that that occurs when the puerperal state is aborted, for 
there is no reason to believe that the parturient stage necessarily 
dislocates the second lumbar vertebra ; and yet the fever is relieved 
when the pressure is removed from the nerves of the spine in the 
middle lumbar region. 



112 THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHAI<MOU)GY. 

The ignorance of men is sometimes apparent upon the very- 
surface of their theories. A careful, intelligent examination of 
the person is an essential prerequisite to know what the trouble 
is, and simply a casual glance along the spine to discover the con- 
tour of the spinous processes savors too much of clinical guessing, 
that all diseases have their origin as a consequence of elevations 
and depressions of the vertebral column ! The practitioner, or the 
would-be diagnostician, who is ignorant of the nervous system, is 
frequently led into erroneous conclusions, and "ventures where 
angels fear to tread," on questionable ground, and assumes unprov- 
able probabilities, rendering an accidental discovery supremely 
ridiculous, to say the least of it, as is the case of Chiropractice 
and Osteopathy. While both these discoveries are marvelous, so 
far as the treatment as well as the results are concerned, yet the 
claims of the discoverers are founded on hypotheses rather than 
on real anatomical and physiological facts; and yet this seems 
arrogant to assume, and would be, but for the known ability of the 
writer regarding both these so-called philosophies, especially the 
application of them practically, scientifically. It is a demonstrated 
fact that the founders of both theories are unlearned men, and 
have but little understanding of the real facts concerning the 
fundamental principles of what they accidentally discovered. 

That great good, wonderful cures, have been made by the 
application of both these methods of treatment needs no com- 
ment nor denial ; but, after years of close scrutiny, a fairly good 
understanding of anatomy and physiology, and some experience 
as pathologist, we are inclined to the opinion that exaggeration 
and over-much enthusiasm have been as great factors in their 
adoption as could be imagined. When it is known that every- 
thing from the earth, air and water has contributed to the arma- 
mentarium of all schools of healers, and a medley of contradictory 
theories advanced in support of each theory, it is not strange that 
a new claimant for renown should start out with vigor, when there 
seemed to be on the very surface of its claims a plausibility more 
reasonable than had been presented before, especially that would 
meet and satisfy the wants of a large class of those inclined to be 
somewhat materialistic, and who had often tried effects of medi- 
cation and medicine systems until hope had almost died within 



the science; of neuro-ophthai<mou>gy. 113 

them, and who in reality had almost given up all hopes of relief. 
The very idea of something being used that left medicine out of 
its curriculum of treatment so astonished the people that a mad 
rush for the new forced a trial of them, as any new thing, 
wherever adopted, has forced recognition for the time ; and thus 
it has been with these two methods. And while one is a dif- 
ferent method of applying the same philosophy from the other, 
yet the fact remains that when the nervous system is rightly 
understood, these two methods may be utilized to far greater 
'advantage than any others known, when combined, so far as 
physical application to the cure of disease is concerned. 

The deficiencies of the advocates of the one in practice is 
apparent, as either theory under its present auspices lacks some- 
thing; the use of both, properly understood, panoplies the pos- 
sessor of this knowledge with a double advantage not possessed' 
by the one who only practices one of them. Either, as practiced! 
by both of these schools, at once recognizes the fact that some- 
thing radically wrong characterizes all his efforts to accomplish 
all he desires in many cases; that is, he feels the need of them 
both to render him efficient. 

The bunglesome manner in which either, and in fact both, 
are taught and practiced has been a source of considerable criti- 
cism, until we brought about harmony and favorable results, and 
larger satisfaction from patients, by making out of these two 
methods a plausible, rational, scientific, systematized method, and 
began to apply it in the treatment of diseases. And now, as we 
have evolved an entirely new system, based upon the law of 
freedom of the nervous system, and named it the Neuropathic 
System, we are ready to demonstrate its superiority over all 
known methods of healing, treating all known diseases, and posi- 
tively relieving and curing at least eighty per cent, of all diseases 
which are pronounced incurable by the general practitioners of all 
schools. Investigate it. 

ACUTE DISEASES ARE AMENABLE TO THIS TREATMENT. 

In cases of fever, absolute reliance may be placed in this treat- 
ment, properly given. When typhoid fevers succumb at two or 
three treatments, is it not reasonable that any other fever is as 
(9) 



114 THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHAI<MOU)GY. 

amenable as it is ? It will control fevers so absolutely that patients 
and their friends will say that the cases did not have the typhoid 
at all; but you may convince any one by taking a genuine case, 
which has stood fire for two weeks, and the temperature has run 
from ioo° to 106 , and you will be astonished when you see the 
temperature go down to a normal condition within a day or two 
of the right sort of neuropathic treatment at fourth to the eighth 
dorsal vertebra once a day. It takes about a second or two to 
give the treatment, and one treatment does more good than all 
the medicine in all the drug stores on earth. 

One of my students in Ohio, Dr. J. L. Shilts, will testify as 
to success in treating typhoid. Those interested may receive a 
statement from him. His address is Verona, Ohio. 

This is so much better than Osteopathic treatment that there 
is no comparison, but fhere are so many who are opinionated in 
the idea -that there is nothing comparable with Osteopathy that 
we are glad to prove to them that all is not known by one man, 
nor is one system of treatment all there is in this world. Whilst 
we have been fifty years studying and applying many systems, we 
find that no one contains all that one should know to be effectual 
in alleviating the wants, yea, the necessities, of humanity. 

The following is a quotation from Dr. J. L,. Shilts, Verona, 
Ohio: 

"As to typhoid fever, Neuropathy is a knocker. In my earlier 
studies of this subject, and before I had put this philosophy to 
the test, I had a case of typhoid fever. It being a typical case, I 
used only medicine for ten days, and her temperature ran about 
one thing all the time, with patient getting weaker ; so I thought 
to myself one day, as I was driving along going to see the case, 
I decided to try Neuropathy on her, and just go right on using 
the medicine. I had known that Chiropractors claimed great 
things for typhoid, but I could not get up enough courage to try 
it alone; so, when the thought came to try it with medicine, I 
said I will do that to-day. So I did, the temperature being about 
the same as it had been for ten days. I gave her a treatment 
and left the medicine as usual, only symptoms showing for the 
worse ; but I returned the next day, and found the patient looking 



THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHAI«MOI<OGY. H5 

brighter; gave her another treatment, continuing medicine, and 
returned next day and found the temperature, which had been 
running to 102*^ ° to 103 , down to ioo°; patient otherwise much 
brighter and improved every way. Continued medicine and spinal 
treatment. On the thirteenth day found temperature up to ioi°, 
owing to nurse overfeeding her, causing pains in the stomach; 
but I gave her another spinal treatment, and the fourteenth day 
found temperature normal, patient bright and cheerful, conva- 
lescing nicely, only complaining that they were starving her. Not 
many thought she would live. 

" Case Second. — A case of typhoid fever in rather a severe 
form, which patient was trying to wear out without medicine or 
a physician. I confess my weakness of faith, and used medicine 
only the first three days, when, as the medicine was not making* 
any headway or improvement in the conditions, or reducing the 
fever, I concluded to combine the spinal treatment. I made only 
eight visits in all, and dismissed it convalescent. So radical was 
the change and so short the illness, the duration of the fever, that 
my diagnosis was questioned. 

"Case Third. — I don't know what it was, but the fellow 
complained for about a week of being tired, weak, and feeling 
badly, and finally he sent for me. When I got the history and 
found that he had a temperature of 10 1°, I began with medicine, 
one drop of nux vomica in half a glass of water ; ordered a tea- 
spoonful taken every hour; gave him a spinal treatment; went 
back the next day ; found patient sitting up ; temperature normal 
and all unfavorable symptoms gone, and patient feeling well. 

" Of course three swallows do not make a summer, but the 
results were so radical and so effective I could not but feel highly 
pleased with them. I could relate many more instances, but these 
are sufficient to prove my claim that typhoid succumbs to spinal 
treatment at once, and satisfactorily to patient and operator. 

"Disease is the effect of some part of the body being dis- 
arranged. As one writer said, ' Every symptomatic indication of 
I disease is an effect, and every effect must have a cause/ Such 
diseases as paralysis, rheumatism, neuralgia, asthma, and diseases 



Ii6 the; science of neuro-ophthai<moi,ogy. 

of the stomach, liver and kidneys, and those of females, are but 
effects of the impingement or pressure upon nerve filaments, end- 
ing in the parts involved, of the nervous system in any part of 
the body. 

" But, says the Bacteriologist, what about the bacteria microbe ? 
We simply say that we attend to our own business, and let nature 
attend to hers. In a word, we take off the strain, stop the leakage, 
take off the pressure, and let nature do the rest ; for the tendency 
of nature is repair. If nature has a clear, open field to maneuver, 
she unchains her phagocytes, and the microbes are at once invaded 
and destroyed, and they are carried off the field as dead, effete 
matter, 'harmless as the cooing dove,' and the leucocytes come 
along and clear up the wreck, repair the wrong, and furnish what 
is needed to restore lost harmony. None can improve on nature 
in her works. Let this be emphatically impressed upon the mind 
of the reader, that man cures nothing. He can only remove 
causes, take off pressure, stop the strain of the nervous system ; 
harmony being thus restored, nature is satisfied; she rights the 
wrongs. 

" From the foregoing we have tried to show that pressure is 
the main cause of inharmony and disease, and that the remedy 
lies in the removal of these causes, and nature heals. Knowing 
the proper method of taking off the pressure, and knowing where 
the fault is, it takes but a moment to properly adjust the parts, so 
as to free the nerve pressure, and disease vanishes like frost before 
a warm summer's sunshine. Nature needs no medicines to assist 
her in performing her task. All she demands is to do her own 
work in her own way. 

" In conclusion, we would say that the skilled Neuropractor 
is able, by passing his skilled fingers along the spine, to find the 
difficulty — find the impingement causing the difficulty, where the 
nerves are impinged — and the indications are at once apparent. 
Does this not appeal to your judgment as being sound and rational 
philosophy? Yours respectfully, 

"J. L. Shuts, M.D." 

The above is from the pen of Dr. J. L,. Shilts, Verona, Ohio, 
and will speak for the praise of Neuropathy in his own language. 



THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHALMQLOGY. WJ 

After taking a course of instructions under the author's own 
teaching, after passing the curriculum of the schools, and having 
eighteen years' experience in the practice of medicine, he unhesi- 
tatingly accords to this system, in his own language, a high place 
in the remedial system of practice. 

The glory of any method rests in its own efficacy, rightly 
applied ; and this, above all others, takes precedence in the manip- 
ulatory field of science as the quickest, easiest to apply, most 
effectual, and therefore the most satisfactory of all the sciences 
ever known by man. That Osteopathy is eminently praiseworthy, 
and Ophthalmology fills a niche that this nor no other science 
does, is conceded; but the grandest, speediest results are due to 
Neuropathy we readily concede; but when all these are at the 
command of those who are posted in the teachings of this book, 
and who know the efficacy of the combined science, there need be 
no failure in meeting the demands of any functional derangement 
in any one or all the ills of humanity. 

NO MEDICINE EQUAI, TO NUEROPATHY IN TYPHOID EEVERS. 

The experience of Dr. J. L. Shilts (a physician of eighteen 
years' practice), who had been through the curriculum of the 
various schools of medicine, is sufficiently gratifying, as well as 
convincing to satisfy the most prejudiced objector that something 
may be done by proper spinal adjustment. After a siege of ten 
days, with an intelligent use of medication to no benefit,, and 
symptoms growing more grave, and when friends had predicted 
an unfavorable ending of the case, and almost that conclusion of 
the physician had been reached, the desire to succeed in amelio- 
rating conditions of his fast sinking victim, applied Neuropathy, 
j when, lo ! one treatment started the hope of his patient's recovery 
into channels which were manifest at once; the symptoms all 
changed for the better, the fever abated, and cheer in place of 
gloom took possession of all concerned, and from that day the 
patient's convalescence dated, and all things terminated in a bliss- 
ful ending, in a complete victory, within a few days. This needs 
no comment. 



Il8 THE SCIENCE Otf NEURO-OPHTHAI,MOI<OGY. 

"calorific nerves/' 

Any adept in anatomy, physiology and chemistry, looking at 
things as they are, must be dull of comprehension to conclude that 
physical structure produces physical force. That such a thing as 
a "calorific" exists, must have combustion behind it, in it, or be 
composed of chemical material which, under proper conditions, 
result in caloric. 

As all heat is due to friction or chemical action, it is unten- 
able to suppose that there are "calorific nerves," for the nerves 
in no sense act, nor are they anything else than conductors of 
thought, not generators ; not possessing heat properties in and of 
themselves, and are alike heated when the tissue through which 
they pass is heated, no sane reasoner would concede to them heat 
properties, nor heat conductors, for all things which convey heat 
become hot themselves. The attempt to found a philosophy upon 
the ignorant ipse dixit of any set of individuals is simply prepos- 
terously absurd. If there were such a thing as a thermal or heat 
nerve system, it would vary the temperature of the body all the 
time in the ratio of excitement, and the body would never have a 
normal temperature, for there could be no average to constitute 
a standard. The heat of the body is due to chemical, bi-chemical, 
action, a resultant of heat and cold and chemical decomposition 
and friction of the molecules of debris, and in the constant meta- 
bolic changes in constant activity, resultant from the varied supply 
and waste going on at all times in the body everywhere. 

We are not assuming to be dictatorial as to how men shall 
think, nor are we inclined to criticise men's opinions, only in so far 
as they antagonize great truths, which are demonstrable in every 
instance. We can not see any use of advocating a supposed theory 
to be odd. 

When there is so much proof to demonstrate a great philos- 
ophy, it seems to me that just as simple a manner as possible, and 
free from all ambiguity, is the better way to explain a principle. 
We know that, in the disorders called disease, to which humanity 
is addicted, when we have pain in the abdominal viscera, the 
pneumogastric nervous system is irritated, or that, in consequence 



THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHAI,MOI<OGY. 119 

of lessened action of the splanchnics, excessive action devolves 
upon the former; but that when the "peculiar" adjustment in 
and along the spine unites the two forces, instantaneous changes 
take place and harmony is re-established — the pain ceases. The 
one or the other set of nerves, acting excessively from any cause, 
may be united by the same adjustment, and the whole mystery is 
solved, and all circumlocution is superfluous, and the metabolism, 
of excess, producing fever or the reverse, is neutralized. 

This is the whole secret of the philosophy of what is called 
Chiropractic adjustment. It need not cost any one $500 nor nine 
months' study on a lot of decomposed human bones to know how 
to alleviate suffering humanity, if he will study the nervous system 
properly. 



THE MAGNITUDE OF NEURO-OPHTHAL- 

MOLOGY. 



Assuming — in fact, knowing — that every function in the 
body is performed intelligently, therefore, by a power we denomi- 
nate mind, and that every part, however minute and seemingly 
to us unimportant, we are forced to the conclusion that perfec- 
tion of system was the original order of all the processes or func- 
tions carried on in the make-up of all its various parts ; and a pre- 
cise, definite proportion of each and every element became neces- 
sary to fulfill the design of the mind which made the structure, 
started it into motion, into being, and has kept it thus for long 
ages, through all the vicissitudes of time, performing the same 
functions, with as much precision and exactness as has charac- 
terized the movement of the planets, we are forced to the conclu- 
sion that mind must govern the physical body, and all bodies. 
The how it does it we may never fully understand, but that it 
does seems to be a settled conclusion, irrevocable and demonstrated 
beyond peradventure. 

That all deviation from the normal balance interferes with 
the harmony there is no necessity to argue, for this seems to be 
so understood by those who think, and therefore needs no further 
consideration. The measure of influence necessary to be percep- 
tible, or comprehended by alchemy, to culminate into sufficient 
change to cause that condition denominated Pathology, is of little 
consequence to the general practitioner ; but it is essential that one 
knows how to differentiate between a normal and an abnormal 
condition. Disease being the common inheritance of humanity at 
some time during his mortal existence, it is legitimate to enter 
the domain of causes which have to do in producing conditions 
called disease ; and as " self-preservation is the first law of nature," 
every individual has what we term a "divine right" to know 
(120) 



the: science of neuro-ophthalmology. 121 

causes and effects of things which directly or indirectly concern 
physical well being (and we might add spiritual). 

That the body is easily influenced by environments we all 
know, and that thought influences for weal or woe the enlightened 
thinker would not question ; there arises a question as to whether 
one can, at all times, control causes within himself which have 
to do in engendering conditions we call disease ? 

Disease primarily is a result of disturbed nerve function, 
whether we consider it as coming from without or from within 
the body. Now, therefore, whatever restores nerve function tends 
to restore harmony in the body, and a restoration of nerve func- 
tion solves the question as to the removal of disease. Inasmuch, 
therefore, as the normal condition of the nervous system maintains 
harmony throughout the body, any measure which restores nerve 
function cures disease caused by said inharmony in the nervous 
system without question, without doubt. This matter being estab- 
lished through any agency proves it to be scientific. The acme of 
physical help consists in restoring harmony of the nervous system. 
Hence the knowledge of the nervous system is an essential element 
in the successful treatment of all diseases. 

SPECIAL LOCALITIES FOR SPECIAL DISEASES. 

That there are certain places treatment should be given for 
given conditions we readily admit ; but for a healer, a practitioner 
of a great science, to give attention to certain localities because 
he has learned that certain leashes of nerves which end in a cer- 
tain locality have emanated from a certain foramen in the spinal 
column would be like the student of a physician I knew, who, 
while studying his Materia Medica, marked on the margin of 
his book, opposite the name of the medicine under consideration, 
" Good for so and so," making believe that all he had to do, when 
he had attained to the degree of doctor, for certain conditions, 
would be to give that particular remedy. The fact became patent 
to him in after years that the so-called remedies were only " good " 
when indicated, and not especially for any particular disease. 

I want my readers to fully comprehend the all-important fact 



122 THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHAI^MOLOGY. 

that the treatment in a given place may do good for several con- 
ditions. Whilst it may be a universal remedy for one particular 
condition, yet the same adjustment may relieve many other con- 
ditions. For instance, one may have colic, and the special indica- 
tion may be to relieve that condition, and a treatment given at the 
eighth dorsal may relieve it at once; and another may have dys- 
pepsia or some chronic stomach trouble, and a treatment at that 
particular place be the very place to treat; or one may have 
Bright's disease of the kidneys, and require treatment at the 
twelfth dorsal and second lumbar, whilst another may have dia- 
betes and require treatment at the same place and at the third 
cervical, and perhaps at the atlas. So we must not conclude that 
Neuropathy is an automatic sort of a science, of simply mechan- 
ical movements like a buzz saw, and the work is done, for it 
requires as much brains, and their activity, to be a good physician 
in this science as in any other science, where one deals or has to 
do with mentality — the nervous system — and disease caused by 
impingement or nerve waste. It will be remembered that a sci- 
ence, to be useful, must have intelligence behind it, and that it 
requires intelligence to properly apply it. 

Simply a "punch in the back" does not signify, for there is 
much to this method, which can only be of service to humanity by 
being used by those who understand it and its application to dis- 
eased conditions, and when, where, and how to use it. There is 
no calculating the latitude nor the usefulness of this science, when 
intelligently applied, for it has the most far-reaching effects of 
any known method of treatment or of any science yet discovered 
in the healing art. 

The important thing to consider is to know the nervous sys- 
tem and how to use it. Typhoid fevers and all other fevers suc- 
cumb to this method of adjustment when it is applied properly, 
and so with all other functional pathological conditions. The 
most malignant of the contagious diseases are alike amenable to 
its use. Diphtheria and all throat affections succumb to its 
influence, properly applied. 



THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHALMOLOGY. 



123 



THE ASSURANCE OF BENEFIT FROM NEUROPATHIC TREATMENT. 



Inasmuch as all diseases are due to too much acid or alkaline 
elements in the body, and that the excess of one and the deficiency 
of the other is due to over or deficient action of the one or the 
other of the nervous systems involved, it makes a difference in 
whether one is treated or not for the weal or woe of the patient, 
for the proper spinal treatment is always beneficial where there is 
any abnormal condition whatever, and no harm can come of the 
treatment, whether there is anything the matter or not. It is not 
a harmful thing in any event, and always does good when the 
forces are unbalanced. There is this advantage: when in doubt 
as to whether there is anything the matter, that the treatment will 
keep the two forces balanced, and no disease can take hold whilst 
this condition exists. 

There is no necessity of being sick with any chronic affec- 
tion if the spine is properly adjusted daily, semi-weekly, or semi- 
occasionally, and is a better prophylactic than all else, or all 
supposed medical prophylactics, and is attended with no possible 
harmful result. 



I 



THE HUMAN STOMACH. 



the receptacle: of* all things, foul, loathsome, inconsistent 
and incompatible, that the human mind can imagine ! 

It has been said that the eye suffers more abuse, with less 
complaint, than any other organ in the body, but when we consider 
the stomach, it seems questionable. 

Every foul, filthy, nasty, bitter, sour, sweet, pleasant, as well 
as disagreeable thing that could be thought of has been directed 
to that organ, and it is supposed to be the dumping-ground of 
everything in the shape of food, from the raw material to the well 
cooked, and all grades of ignorance of the method of cooking and 
careless kitchen maids could throw together and call it " victuals," 
could concoct, devise or invent ; and then, not satisfied with these, 
medical men have made it the road to the remotest intimation of 
a possibility of reaching a pain or a disease, and dumped his filthy 
poisons into it, with full assurance that, through some mysterious 
pathway therefrom, the efficacy of his supposed remedy would 
find lodgment in the citadel where the disturbance seemed to find 
lodgment, and by some unknowable process lay hands upon the 
fiend who, forsooth, would deign to seek a lodgment in the body 
and cause inharmony therein. 

That medicamentum failing, resort is had to some other nos- 
trum, and the stomach has to bear the brunt, and if it complains, 
the medicine man casts a frowning look askance his armamenta- 
rium of poisons, and snatches a remedy and hurls it into the 
stomach, to make believe that it will right the wrong, and then 
another kind is thrust therein, that it may do general "toning up" ; 
and so on, day after day, and in many cases year after year, the 
stomach becomes and is the receptacle of every foul, and mean, 
and loathsome, and poisonous substance that the multiplied kalei- 
(124) 



THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHAIvMOIvOGY. 1 25 

doscopic imagination of ignorant suggestion can conceive; and it 
has it all to bear, and then if it complains, it is "dieted" for the 
very things it suffers at the hands of ignorance, fools and doctors ! 
Strange people in this world! If there could be even the least 
possible amount of the commonest commodity of common sense 
utilized along this line, almost every one living would derive 
benefit therefrom. 

It is said of some people that " their god " is their " appetite," 
their " stomach," and it would seem so, — and their only god, for 
they are constantly sacrificing at its shrine all the time. Over- 
taxing the digestive organs and lack of deep breathing cause a 
large per cent, of the invalidism of humanity. Overtaxed nerves 
are here manifest all the time in most people The only natural 
thing to do is to refuse admission into the stomach of everything 
which in any way overtaxes the nerve power, which nature placed 
there to manufacture the secretions which perform the functions 
of digestion ; and be sure that you give the nervous system time 
to perform its functions there before you direct nerve power some- 
where else in the body. Everything that it takes to constitute the 
physical body is provided therein for perpetuity of life, so far as 
elements are concerned, and the taste determines what is demanded 
to keep these elements renewed, and these elements are in the food 
eaten, and will certainly be sufficient to satisfy any normal demand 
when our mentality is properly exercised in respect to nature's 
unerring demands and properly heeded. 

Overtaxed nerves ending in the stomach become incapable 
of rightly performing their functions, same as anywhere else, and 
the same law governing them must be observed if we would be 
immune from disease. We simply sin when we pervert nature's 
laws, and the penalty follows as surely as day and night succeed 
each other. The importance of this proposition can not be too 
strongly emphasized, for violations of this law cause all of the 
sufferings of humanity. The care of the nervous system embraces 
every known obligation upon which health depends. " If any 
man destroys the temple of God, him will God destroy," is a 
divine law which pertains to this life in its effects ; but it reaches 
farther than this, for the destruction of this body, "made in the 



126 THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHALMOLOGY. 

image of God," makes the destroyer a murderer ; and it is added 
in the same law that "there shall be no satisfaction for the man 
who murders his fellow man." 

It becomes necessary to get back to the law which governs 
our physical being to be immune from disease, as well as for the 
sinner to come under the purview of the divine and spiritual law, 
to be free from, and continue free from, sin in a Scriptural way ; 
hence, " No man liveth unto himself." He can not in any sense ! 

The law under which we live, physically, is immutable ; dis- 
pute it who may, it is true. It makes no difference as to what 
your opinion may be, that does not change the facts. That being 
the case, and we knowing these things to be unknown and 
unheeded by even many who claim to be healers, we are the more 
specific in our delineations of the facts involved. The profundity 
of assuming to be a teacher in the healing art is sublimely signifi- 
cant, and we put forth what we have to say with due regard to the 
consequences involved, and want the reader to consider all we 
have said in the light of absolute confidence in all that we claim 
to be worthy of consideration, for we mean what we say, and 
believe all to be true. 

INTERNAL BATH — HOT WATER INJECTIONS. 

The inestimable value of the internal ablutions of warm and hot 
water as can be borne is an essential, unsurpassed in many condi- 
tions of intestinal and bowel troubles, and nothing known can be 
substituted for it. It is done by the use of a fountain syringe, with 
long and substantial rubber tube, sufficiently long to reach from 
the bag, suspended on a nail six or seven feet high, to where the 
body can be reached comfortably. Fill the syringe with the water 
to be used, and let the patient lie on his right side, with knees 
flexed on thighs ; anoint the nozzle of tube with vaseline or oil and 
pass it into the bowel, first being filled with the water, so as to 
avoid air being introduced into the bowel, letting the water force 
the way open for the tube, and especially if the bowel is sore, 
following up by gentle pressure until the tube is well in. 

For assurance of getting enough water in the bowels, let it 
enter slowly, pressing on tube occasionally to arrest the flow, so 



THE SCIENCE Otf NEURO-OPHTHALMOLOGY. 



127 



as to arrest the shock and tendency to desire to pass it out, and 
then let it run again, filling the bowel as full as can comfortably 
be borne before letting it pass from the bowels. To facilitate the 
filling of the colon, and even the small intestines, in case of intus- 
susception, insert a nozzle to the syringe tube as much as twelve 
or fifteen inches in length, and it should be somewhat flexible ; let 
this tube passes up its full length, and then let the water pass into 
the bowel, from a half to one gallon, letting it remain in the bowels 
a few moments before passing it out, and the whole contents of 
the colon will pass out. This is an excellent means of relieving 
impaction of the bowels.' 

It is an absolute cure for intussusception if applied in time, 
and should always be used at any stage, for the almost certainty 
of saving the life of the patient should never leave a possibility 
unused. In appendicitis it is a sovereign remedy, and with proper 
manipulations and lumbar adjustment, almost every case may be 
cured in a few hours, or even moments. There is no better remedy 
for flux and diarrhea when the injections are resorted to and 
repeated at one sitting, two or three times, and repeated as often 
as once or twice a day. For colic it acts like a charm, relieving 
at once. Do not be afraid of this means of relief. For every con- 
dition where the bowels are inflamed, or painful from any sort of 
accumulation, this furnishes the easiest and speediest means of 
relief possible. It is an absolute panacea for such conditions as 
above mentioned, and no one should fail to be prepared for it. 

AN EFFECTUAL WAY TO TREAT SORE THROAT. 



Have patient seated on a chair or reclining on a couch, head 
leaning back ; insert the forefinger into the mouth, palm of finger 
upward and extended to either edge of the soft palate; begin 
pressure at edge of soft palate, and while continuing the pressure 
pass finger across the upper jaw on soft palate to opposite side, 
and then return finger, with the pressure, to opposite, or the side 
where begun. This relieves the congestion and starts the flow of 
pent-up venous blood, and relief is at once experienced. Repeat 
once a day till cured. 



128 



THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHAI,MOI<OGY. 



The Chiropractic cervical adjustment in upper area on side 
of cervix is not to be neglected when indicated by drawn, deep, 
muscular rigidity. 

The above treatment surpasses all gargles and stupes and 
local applications in diphtheria, scarlet fever, malignant sore throat 
and enlarged tonsils that were ever used. 

The one who fully comprehends the philosophy of this treat- 
ment will need no medicine, but simply use the brain and direct 
the fingers and hands how to remove the pressure. 




hewu. i two: 2 

THE SYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEM. 

This cut represents the nervous system, and shows its impor- 
tance at a glance. Through the sympathetic nervous system we 
have communication to every part of the body, and every function 
influenced and controlled thereby, hence the importance of keeping 
it free — all strain and pressure from it, in all and every part of 
it, to be healthy — natural. 



PART II. 



OPHTHALMIC DEPARTMENT. 



While much might be said concerning the methods used to fit 
the eyes with glasses, we are not attempting to rehash old ideas 
nor approve nor denounce them; we simply aim to give to the 
reader the method of finding the nerve strain which conduces to 
the production of the functional disorders, so prevalent in the 
present day among the vast majority of the people. The mere 
test for vision, any optician can do that ; and so can most of the 
jewelers and the oculists ; but none of them have learned how to 
find the amount of nerve strain, causing so much human misery 
and so much so-called disease, and for this reason alone what we 
shall say and the instructions given in this chapter will be worth 
a thousand times the cost of this book, and may be absolutely 
relied upon as true. Any half-way observance will not be satis- 
factory, and we urgently enjoin strict adherence to the instruc- 
tions herein detailed, and then results will follow as stated in 
every case where the limit angle has not been passed. 

CONTROL OF DISEASE. 

All are interested in this. It is a fact that all diseases are due 
to nerve waste, and we being absolutely controlled through the 
nervous system, and through them our every thought is trans- 
mitted, it becomes a matter of first importance to preserve the 
nervous system. 

The nerve waste is a result of using up of the elements of 
which the nerves are composed. This is done by the uses imposed 

(10) (129) 



130 the science; of neuro-ophthalmology. 

upon the nerves themselves — the work done through them and by 
them. The nerve strain, then, means overused. Overuse results 
in exhaustion, and this results in what is denominated disease. 
Disease anywhere in the body is a result of loss of nerve power. 
It may be overuse of the eyes, the spine, or any other part of the 
system, and thereby produce exhaustion, a general weakness, and 
thus furnish sufficient cause for disease. 

It therefore becomes evident that, to arrest disease and keep 
well, it is absolutely a matter of the first importance to arrest, 
stop, the waste of nerve power. To cure any disease, give the 
nervous system rest, and allow it to recuperate the lost power, as 
the loss of power is the cause of the diseases complained of, what- 
ever they may be, or where located in the body. Just as soon as 
the nerve waste is stopped and the nerve pressure is removed, 
nature has an opportunity to resume her accustomed course, so 
that harmony, health, becomes established. 

We have a method, or methods, by which we stop the waste, 
the leakage, and remove the strain, and that, too, without drugs, 
and all sorts of functional disturbances, recognized as diseases, 
get well. This is no experiment ; it is an absolute fact. We posi- 
tively measure the nerve power, and know just how much an 
individual is losing every second of wakeful hours, and place the 
diseased individual in a way to get well. There is no guessing 
at results. They will be as stated. Headache, indigestion, consti- 
pation and all other complaints yield immediately to this treatment. 

We need not stop to argue this question, for we have been 
through all the pathies of this country to qualify for the effectual 
treatment of diseases, and claim to be skilled in the science of 
healing, having eliminated all superfluous measures, medicines 
and foreign substances not needed in the treatment of any disease 
known to humanity. We have simply reduced the practice to the 
simplest possible measure which will do the business, and not 
tax the system with what is absolutely unnecessary. The hardest 
thing we have to do is to convince the afflicted that they do not 
need medicine, and many will not take our treatment because we 
do not advise them to take medicine. The habit is so fixed in the 



THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHALMOLOGY. I3I 

mind of the afflicted, and the majority of people as well, that it 
is essential to take medicine to get well that they seek medical 
doctors, and gulp down their stuff for every complaint they have, 
and they are the ones who are sick the most. When we get the 
attention of the afflicted, we convince them that medicine is not 
needed. 

There are four and one-third nerves which come from the 
brain said to end in and around the eyes (nerve leashes are always 
in pairs), and these produce all the phenomena of motion, sensa- 
tion and sympathy necessary to the performance of all the func- 
tions of the eye. The superior, internal and inferior recti muscles, 
as well as the inferior oblique muscles, are said to be controlled 
by the .motor " branch " of the third nerve ; the external recti 
muscle has for its control the sixth nerve, and the superior oblique 
muscle is controlled by the fourth nerve; and it is said that the 
third nerve controls the musculus iridis, and regulates the size of 
the pupil and the amount of light admitted into the eyes.^ The 
use, the labor of the nervous system determines the muscular 
expression or capacity of the muscle in which the nerve or nerves 
end. The nerves are, therefore, measured according to what 
they manifest in muscular power, and this we determine by actual 
measurement and express it in diopters. 

The standard of nerve power is called emmetropia, or at the 
age of twenty years power to read Snellen's test card distinctly, 
the 20-20 letters at twenty feet from the chart, and if the sight is 
stronger or weaker, we determine that by the excessive or the 
diminutive variation above or below that standard. If one reads, 
say, 15-20, his vision is weak, and if one reads 20-15, we say his 
accommodation is strong, increased. This latter condition is what 
we are especially concerned in as regards the status of our 
patients, for if the eye sees better than an emmetrope, we at once 
conclude that a degree of hyperopia exists, and this indicates that 
the patient is straining the accommodation ; that is, the nervous 
system which regulates the action of the ciliary body is irritated, 
and doing more than a normal share of work, and the number of 
diopters determines the measure of the nerve strain going on all 



132 THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHALMOLOGY. 

the wakeful hours, and it is our province to stop this strain, and 
thus prevent nerve waste, and thus cure our case of any ailment. 




THE NATURAL EYE (EMMETROPIC). 

The afflicted should, first of all things, have the nervous 
system of their eyes examined by an ophthalmologist — the error 
of refraction corrected, and the spinal-nervous system properly 
adjusted, harmonized with itself. 

THE HUMAN EYE. 

Could we arrange in words a description of this wonderful 
structure, all that thought could suggest, that mind's imagination 
could picture, and present in panoramic perspective all that this 
wonderful organ is capable of compassing, many volumes would 
be required, and then it would be only indexed. Of all the five 
senses, this embraces the most. Its normal functional capacity is 
beyond the ken of mortals to express. Through it we arouse to 
activity all the faculties of the brain ; bring to mind all that nature 
has so beautifully spread out before us, (and it has spread the 
pathway with every form, size, and shape, color and shade that 
imagination can conceive,) and the mind can at once read expres- 
sions, and almost see the thoughts of the things expressed in the 
face of his brother man. Joy, sorrow, anger, happiness, and all 
the ideas expressed by the synonyms of these words, are detected 
by the intelligent gaze into the other's eyes and countenance ; and 
whether that one speaks our vernacular, or is born far away and 
possesses the habits of a heathen, there is detected in that face or 
eye characteristics readily discernible, in truth and verity. 

This wonderful organ is under the supervision of no less than 
four and a third leashes or bundles of nerves, and they are the 
second, third, fourth, sixth, and the third division, or ophthalmic 
division, of the fifth cranial nervous system. 



the science: of neuroophthai^moivOGy. 133 

The second nerve is called the optic nerve, and forms all of 
the retina, and it is the nerve of sight. The third one is the nerve 
of motion, and controls the action of the pupil of the eye through 
its influence upon the ciliary muscles which surround the pupil, 
and as the light influences the retina, the third nerve filaments 
regulate just the amount necessary at the time to form an image 
of the object the mind wishes to see, form, or that is seen by the 
eyes. The muscles attached to the outside covering of the eyes 
are for the purpose of holding the eyes in fixed conditions, and 
changing those positions whenever necessary to present the pupils 
in relation with the objects to be seen, and these muscles are con- 
trolled by nerves ending in them, which are the conductors of 
mind and thought conductors, and the motions take place accord- 
ing to the will of the individual. And the third cranial nerve 
filaments control the superior recti, inferior recti, the internal recti 
and the inferior oblique muscles, and the fourth nerve filaments 
are said to control the superior oblique, and the sixth nerve is 
distributed in the external recti muscle; so that, in the motions 
of the eyes, these various nerve filaments, distributed as stated, 
have to do with their various actions ; and the third division of the 
fifth nerve filaments are distributed to the sides of the nose, to the 
eyelids, and side of face and teeth. 

The anatomical description of the above, and all other nerves 
in the body, seems to be vague and confusing to the individual 
who thinks, for one nerve can not affect any muscle only where it 
ends, and as a filament only has one ending, in a muscle, it can 
only affect it where it ends. There are numerous filaments in one 
sheath of nerves, and some of these filaments go to entirely dif- 
ferent muscles, and perhaps in remote parts of the body; so that 
the order of naming the cranial nerves is very confusing, to say 
the least of them. Nerves originating in one of the faculties 
of the brain may be distributed to various muscles in the body 
remotely situated. 

The relationship of the various parts of the body is the result 
of arrangement of the various filamentous structure of the nervous 
system. As all nerves begin within the cranium and end through- 
out the body, the terminals being connected in such a way as to 
form a connection of at least two other endings, when a thought 



134 the science; of neuro-ophthalmowjgy. 

is sent through any one of these, it influences other two end- 
ings, motor and sensory, and the communication is returned to 
the brain, and the order is directed to the execution of the thing 
needed in that part, and thus we have a direct, intelligent connec- 
tion between the brain and every part of the body. We thus 
demonstrate the absolute certainty of a mental communication 
throughout every tissue and to every atomic cell in the entire 
body ; and therefore, in a normal condition, there is no disturbance 
or inharmony anywhere in the great house that mind built and 
cares for. Whenever these communicating lines are incapacitated 
in any way to perform their wonted functions, confusion ensues ; 
we have a condition we denominate disease. 

When it is considered that the eye is endowed with the fac- 
ulty of expressing one of the five senses, its importance can be but 
faintly expressed in language. As to this organ a larger part of 
the happiness of this world is due, it will be of great interest, as 
well as instructive, to consider the things which particularly con- 
cern us in our investigation of this most wonderful of all the 
organs of the body. To see is a natural process, arid so is the 
growth of the vegetable world ; but there is a law regulating sight 
as well as growth. Without light there would be no sight, in fact, 
no eyes, for an eye would be in vain were it not for light. And 
inasmuch as there is light and there are eyes, the mechanism of 
the eye will first engage our attention. Light emanating from 
the sun, and coming therefrom with a velocity of twelve million 
miles per minute, and filling this side of our world for long hours 
in the twenty-four, its benefits can not be told ; but to us it would 
afford no satisfaction, so far as seeing is concerned, if we had no 
eyes — no natural eyes — for not one of all the objects on the land 
would be observed, and we would go through this beautiful world 
groping in the dark, feeling our way. Without pursuing this part 
of the subject further, we assume that the reader has already 
grasped the importance of, and the necessity of, having eyes to 
see with. 

The mechanism of the eyes is not naturally made in the form 
of a geometrical instrument adaptable for focusing rays of light, 
as a sphere is, but in the make-up of this organ there are certain 



THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHXHALMOLOGY. 1 35 

organic structures which are controlled by the nervous system, 
ending in certain muscles, the ciliary, which regulate the introduc- 
tion of light, and so control the rays of light admitted that the 
rays are focused upon that delicate substance called the retina, 
that impressions of the objects are photographed thereon, and the 
brain takes cognizance of them, and we know the form, and size, 
and color, and the properties of all objects seen, so that the end- 
less and innumerable variety of objects beheld are recognized 
and pictured upon the tablets of our memory, and become fixed 
theeron. This grows upon us so gradually that we scarcely ever 
think of the wonderfulness of the phenomena, or the untold pleas- 
ure which the vision has strewn along our pathway, and some only 
have the slightest conception of its beneficence, for they never 
think of the wisdom and power of the One who made the eye. 
The one born blind never realized what sight was until he was 
made to see by miraculous power. (By the way, all things out of 
the ordinary, to us, are miracles — above known law.) 

Sight, then, is a product, dependent upon light and an organ to 
perceive it, and a sense of knowing it, when it is* where it is, and 
that it really exists. All this results from the two expressions, 
light, and the faculty of perception. The apparatus which con- 
trols the amount of light admitted into the eyes is the thing which 
concerns us individually, for the nerves which control the quan- 
tity of light from the various angles affect our physical being as 
regards health, and this is the theme which personally interests 
us as human beings. 




MYOPIC EYE STRAINED. 



Nerve strain of the eyes causes all functional diseases. Have 
you headaches? Eye strain is the producing factor. Dyspepsia 
comes from eye strain. Sour stomach, indigestion, cross eyes, 
sore and inflamed eyes result from eye strain. Fits, chorea, leu- 



136 the science; of neuro-ophthalmology. 

corrhea, female disorders, painful menstruation, constipation, piles, 
liver and kidney troubles, all are the legitimate results of nerve 
strain, and generally can be traced to the eyes. The facts are, all 
functional disturbances are the legitimate result of nerve strain. 
The Ophthalmologist knows how to take off the strain, " stop the 
leak," and "fill the tank," so that nature is free to perform her 
natural functions. 

The above and all other complaints are amenable to Ophthal- 
mology and Neuropathy. 

The eye is the most delicate, and yet capable of performing 
more labor, than any organ in the body. It suffers more abuse 
with less complaint, and shows least signs of distress, and keeps 
up under the extraordinary task it performs, than any other organ 
in the body. This may be in part accounted for on account of its 
superabundance of nerve supply; it has no less than four and 
one-third cranial nerves ending in and supplying it. That nerve 
power is expended in proportion to its exercise or use is a well 
established fact, needing no proof from us. The overuse of the 
eyes makes extraordinary drafts upon the nervous system, exhaust- 
ing the nerves used, thereby decreasing the power not only of the 
nerves actually used, but through sympathy, correlation of ele- 
ments, taxes the other nerves all through the whole body as well. 

This is the reason that we have disease. The use of any leash 
or set of filaments beyond a certain point reduces the power, and 
if constantly kept up, there will, sooner or later, be a lack of force 
to perform the functions required, to perform the normal func- 
tions, and then there is a corresponding weakness, shown by meas- 
urement, in all the nervous system in the body, and we find that 
some functional disturbance manifests itself in some part of the 
body we denominate disease, whether it be headache, or even the 
failure of the digestive organs in performing their functions, and 
we have what is called indigestion ; perhaps inactive natural move- 
ments of the bowels may be from undue contraction of some of 
the muscular system, and as a result pain somewhere, generally 
in the organs supplied with sphincter muscles, and these may 
cause intense pain, and finally entire loss of function of the organ 
involved. This is only an index of the many conditions which are 



THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHALMOIyOGY. 1 37 

traceable to this one cause. The various diseases to which we are 
subject, and we might say all functional disorders, have their 
origin in nerve waste, nerve exhaustion. We have often verified 
this conclusion by instituting measures to take off the strain, stop- 
ping the leakage which produces the exhaustion, the waste of 
nerve power, and shown by actual demonstration, restoring the 
individual to health just by placing upon his eyes the proper cor- 
rection and stopping the leakage of nerve power. The man who 
prescribes glasses without knowing the relationship of the nerves 
of the eye to human ills is unworthy of confidence, and should not 
be trusted. Glasses improperly fitted are worse than useless — 
harmful. Oculists and opticians who prescribe lenses simply to 
see through know nothing of the causes of human ills, and should 
be shunned as dangerous. The true Ophthalmologist knows the 
anatomy of the eyes, their defects, and their relation to human ills, 
and are worthy of consideration. All functional diseases promptly 
yield to the treatment which stops the nerve waste, and fills the 
deficit by proper diet and correct habits. Any system which can 
not be proven correct is not scientific nor true. If medicine cured 
disease, from whence came the chronics everywhere to be seen, in 
every community, in every family, and at all times showing them- 
selves as spectral ghosts, with sepulchral warnings of impending 
dissolution? It does seem as if suffering humanity would learn 
to doubt the curative effects of medicine, and investigate a rational 
system of treatment, which removes the causes of disease, and let 
nature heal. 

THE FOGGING FOR CROSS EYES, OR ANY OTHER DISORDER. 

That people who have had full use of their sight should feel 
chagrined when they look at objects once clearly distinct, standing 
out brilliantly and' full-orbed, and see them as dimly as if a thick 
mist had fallen upon them, every sensibility is aroused against 
such a state, and if reason does not assume command, off goes the 
"fogging" and denunciations, accompanied sometimes with quali- 
fying adjectives of a peculiarly satanic cast, well up to almost, 
if not quite, the expression point, and that faculty denominated 



I38 THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHAI<MOU>GY. 

destructiveness is wont to be master of the situation, and if enough 
so that reason is dethroned, the subject at once disregards ail 
promised obligations and, becomes a monomaniacal phantasm. 

The absolute necessity of a full explanation of conditions, 
consequences, and all that pertains to the case, and what the con- 
sequences will be, and all about what patient will certainly expe- 
rience during the treatment for certain conditions, should be min- 
utely and explicitly made plain, and what may be expected of the 
treatment when directions are all complied with. 

People with hyperopia are, as in all other functional disor- 
ders, pathologically egotistic and crankily out of balance, out of 
harmony with themselves; hence the absolute importance of the 
Ophthalmologist being cool-headed, and clear up beforehand all 
the contingencies, so that a clear and definite understanding is had 
by the patient in the beginning of treatment, and then, in all prob- 
ability, with those who have confidence in your ability, will comply 
with the requirements stipulated. Without such an understanding 
the pre'scriber will often be annoyed by the clientage with dis- 
satisfaction and absolute refusal to wear the correction, and thus 
become an enemy or an opponent of the "fogging method" of 
healing, and go back to his former habits, to medicine, or some 
other means that conforms to his peculiarities. 

I think I have said enough on this subject, except to empha- 
size the importance of securing the fee for services in advance in 
all cases, and that will tend to induce the patient to the more 
certainly follow your directions. They will feel more interested 
in the treatment — a financial interest — and that is where most 
interests lie. 

A SPECIAL TREATMENT FOR CATARACT. 

Place the palm of thumb or either finger against the outside 
of eyeball, somewhat firmly, and then, with the finger of the 
other hand, whichever may be convenient, thump against the nail 
of the finger which is against the eyeball three or more times, 
gently, but enough to shake up the contents of the eye, but not 
enough to bruise it, nor to be at all painful. This process shakes 



THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHALMOLOGY. 1 39 

the vitreous, serves also to stimulate absorption of waste elements, 
and especially that of the lens capsule, and perhaps of the vitreous 
humor, and clear the media of the eye. Some very remarkable 
cases have been relieved by this procedure, applied two or three 
times a week. Some advocate the topical application of succus 
cineraria maritima, and others that of oil of thuja, applied one to 
three times a day, both of which may be obtained of any homoeo- 
pathic pharmacy, especially of Boericke & Tafel, Chicago, Illinois. 
Cataracts should be treated in their earliest stages to be satisfac- 
torily influenced for good results. The Neuropathic neck treat- 
ment should be duly considered and duly applied high up on side. 

DIAGNOSIS OF DISEASE BY THE EYE. 

If the medical practitioners would study effects of disease and 
effects of medicine as shown in the iris, it would be a source to 
them of much information now not known nor in any way imag- 
ined by them. The time is coming when all pathological con- 
ditions will be easy, for the iris records pathological effects as 
surely as food satisfies hunger. [For the information of those who 
are desirous to study diagnosis of disease through the eyes, we 
refer them to the Kosmos Publishing Company, 765 North Clark 
Street, Chicago, Illinois, U. S. A. — Pub. This is an interesting 
study, and will repay any one for the cost of the work, $2.00.] 
It is a most singular fact that when our system of treatment is 
applied, the signs in the iris fade away as health is restored, thus 
showing the absolute necessity of this means of amelioration from 
disease. The strain being removed from the eyes, and the press- 
ure from the spinal nervous system, absolutely covers the ground 
for causes of human ills. All possible conditions of functional 
disorders respond to this method of treatment. 

THE OPHTHALMOSCOPE AND RETINOSCOPE. 

That every practitioner of Ophthalmology needs one or both 
of these instruments is not questioned. The ophthalmoscope is an 
absolute necessity ; whether a direct or an ideal image of the retina 
is used depends largely upon circumstances ; but we would advise 






140 THE SCIENCE OE NEURO-OPHTHAI<MOI<OGY. 

the ownership of both kinds, for they are a necessity in ascertain- 
ing the condition of the retina, the status of the blood, and index 
to other important changes going on in the body. The retino- 
scope and ophthalmoscope combined is certainly a combination of 
great value to one who desires the practice of the shadow test 
of refraction and prescription of lenses. These two instruments 
make a good impression upon patients, and they prize the one 
who owns and uses them for his skill in their use. Aside from 
appearances, they are certainly useful in eye examinations. The 
small electric ophthalmoscope for the direct examination is a 
unique and very useful instrument, as it is a portable machine. 
The accompanying cut represents the ophthalmoscope and 
retinoscope combined, ready for use. 

THE REASONABLENESS OF THIS METHOD OE HEALING. 

To say that man ever cured anything would be at variance 
with the truth, and when we say that we cure disease, we simply 
assert what is not true. Nature cures. We may change con- 
ditions which cause obstructions to natural forces and place the 
afflicted in the way to be healed, to get well, to be made to har- 
monize the various faculties and parts of the body with them- 
selves, so that all of its parts have equal nerve force necessary to 
perfectly control every part of the body, but we cure nothing, 
per se, ourselves. 

THE CAUSE OE DISEASE IS INHARMONY. 

The cause of inharmony is either nerve strain or nerve 
impingement, nerve pressure, and when either condition exists, 
nature is out of harmony with itself, and will not perform normal 
functions until that obstruction is removed, whether it be overuse 
of the nervous system or pressure upon nerves, interfering with 
their natural functions. 

That all of the various functions of the body are carried on 
through the nerves is a well settled fact among intelligent anat- 
omists and physiologists, and that various methods have been 
devised to free impinged nerves is patent, and have done some- 



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THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHALMOUXJY. 141 

thing, accomplished some things along that line, yet it k a fact 
that it has accomplished but little, and has had its limits because 
of inadequacy in method and painful in application, and has had 
its day, and by many relegated to the arcana as incompatible with 
the necessities demanded. Never in all the history of the ages has 
a complete method of treatment been devised until the methods 
of removing rierve pressure and nerve strain had been combined 
and correctly applied, simply from the fact that nerve strain and 
nerve pressure are from different causes, and one was inadequate 
to accomplish the entire results necessary to be accomplished. 

Having studied all the methods known, we feel somewhat 
inclined to assume, to know, that we know whereof we affirm, and 
not only feel competent to apply this science correctly and to the 
complete satisfaction of the afflicted, but to demonstrate it theo- 
retically to the most skeptical, and show the reasons therefor along 
anatomical and physiological lines. We court investigation and 
the closest criticism, for whatever can not be demonstrated is not 
scientific or true. 



THE CHIROPRACTIC METHOD OF NEURO- 

PATHY AND OPHTHALMOLOGY 

COMBINED. 



The word Chiropractic practice is simply hand practice of a 
peculiar character to relieve nerve pressure from the spinal nerves. 
Having taken full courses of instruction in Chiropractic science, 
and having six years' experience in its application, and having 
evolved from the Chiropractic the Osteopathic and Ophthalmic 
sciences a system we name Neuropathy, we hesitate not to state 
that out system of practice embraces all there is known in Chiro- 
practic science as taught by its originator, and all there is in 
Osteopathy, and all there is taught in Ophthalmology, taking in 
all the nervous system of head and eyes, and spinal nervous 
system, making a complete science, which, when properly applied, 
cures all forms of human ills, straightens spinal curvature, cross 
eyes, cures headache, fits, piles, deafness, all eye troubles curable 
by any science; female ills of every form and variety, and all 
functional disorders, called diseases, of every name and nature, by 
adjustment of the system with itself, taking off the strain and 
pressure from the nervous system, the cause of all these conditions 
called disease. 

The spinal nervous system is distributed to the various parts 
of the body, and through them all action, sensation, and sympathy 
are manifest, and a larger per cent, of our ailments are due to 
disturbances of these nerves, either by pressure upon or overuse 
of them, and it naturally follow that, in order to cure disease, we 
must take off the pressure and stop the irritation and waste, which 
is constantly going on as a result of the pressure, or overuse. We 
actually do this with our hands, hence the science has received the 
(142) 



THE SCIENCE OF* NEURO-OPHTHALMOLOGY. 143 

name Chiropractic, or hand practice. The whole body is treated 
for any and all complaints through the spinal nervous system, and 
when the impingement, the pressure, the irritation, is removed 
from all the nervous system involved, we have a natural condition 
restored, which is nature's own normal state, harmony is re-estab- 
lished and disease vanishes, and nature asserts herself and the 
body becomes clothed in its right habiliment, health. This is the 
true state of the case in our philosophy, and the experience of a 
number of years of actual experiments and application of this prin- 
ciple in the treatment of the various diseases of the afflicted has 
amply verified its absolute certainty of results, and its application 
and truths. 

THE SPINAS NERVOUS SYSTEM. 

At the various openings along the spinal column, on either 
side of it, we have leashes of filaments of vessels and nerves, which 
are distributed to the various parts of the body. These, with the 
nerves which pass down the front and sides of the neck to the 
cavities of the body, the viscera, control the functions of the 
various parts of the body in which they end. This being an indis- 
putable fact, we assume, and show by actual demonstration of 
results from our treatment, that diseases cease when the pressure 
upon these nerve filaments is off; and that our methods are the 
proper ways to take off that pressure is shown by results. No 
disease exists anywhere in the body unless there is interference 
of the nerves ending in the parts diseased. When we remove this 
pressure, as sure as night follows day disease is driven therefrom, 
and the patient walks forth clothed in his right mind and health. 

THE NERVE STRAIN IS CAUSED BY OVERUSE. 

Whatever set of nerve filaments have been taxed with more 
work than natural manifests itself in a deficiency of the parts in 
which the said nerves end, or through a general breaking down 
of the part itself or the whole body, through sympathy. There- 
fore, to cure such a condition, reason would say, take off the 
strain and let nature cure. 






144 THE SCIENCE OP NEURO-OPHTHAI,MOI,OGY. 

OUR METHODS ARE PECULIAR, AND YET ADEQUATE. 

The pressure is absolutely removed by what we call Chiro- 
practic, which means "hand practice." Hence the name, not of a 
science, but of the method. 

In the application of means to relieve the strain, Ophthal- 
mology comes into use, and in many cases it is essential that it 
be used, for through that we absolutely measure the status of the 
blood and nervous system, and do not have to guess at the con- 
dition ; but we actually analyze conditions, and find out absolutely 
how much waste is going on all the wakeful hours through the 
use of the nerves which end in and control the functions of the 
eyes. We remove the strain, through this method, which causes 
so much pain and disease that to mention it would astonish the 
reader, and through this means and the spinal nerve treatment we 
leave nothing out of the method of taking off strain and pressure, 
so that ajl functional ills come under the purview of this science 
we have named Neuro-Ophthalmology. 

NERVE EXHAUSTION, NERVE WASTE, NERVE POWER WASTES. 

We hear a great deal said about nerve exhaustion, and yet 
but few people comprehend what it really means, or why it is so, 
and it may be going on all the time in an individual for a series of 
years and the individual not be aware of it. 

It is a fact that nervous exhaustion comes from strain, or 
overuse of any particular organ in the body ; but as a consequence 
of advanced civilization we use the eyes more than all of the rest 
of the organs in the body, and that the nervous system which 
goes to, and ends in, and controls the eyes in all their functional 
actions; it follows as a natural result that more waste of nerve 
energy is expended through this organ than those less used, hence 
the importance of looking after this part of the body as a means 
of arresting the exhaustion of the general system through this 
constant drain through the nerves which control the functions of 
the eyes, and which are correlated with all of the rest of the 
physical body. There is a constant leakage going on through the 



THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHALMOLOGY. 145 

overuse of the eyes which the medical profession has given but 
little, if any, attention to, which we have studied and seen demon- 
strated, and are able to demonstrate ourselves, must be arrested 
in order to have health, or restore to health those who are afflicted 
from this cause. 

There being special facilities to find out and accurately ascer- 
tain the exact amount of nerve power being lost throughout the 
whole system through these organs, and accurately measure the 
nerve strength of each and every individual, and see and know 
the exact state of the blood and other fluids of the body, we know 
positively how to arrest this waste and to restore to health all who 
are afflicted with functional ills through our methods of treatment 
of the eyes and spinal nervous system. Our system is the most 
rational, the most certain, the most effectual of all methods ever 
discovered by man, and embraces all that is essential in the treat- 
ment and cure of all human ailments. We not only teach these 
principles to students, but actually prove them to all persons 
interested. 

OF SPECIAL IMPORTANCE TO THE PHYSICIAN. 

In prescribing glasses for patients which fog the vision, you 
will find that, unless a full description of the effect the glasses 
will have on vision before placing them on your patient, and a 
thorough understanding of how they will affect him, and contract 
is closed by payment of the fee charged, more than likely, after 
wearing the glasses one day, they will be thrown aside, and you 
will neither get pay for services nor succeed in inducing your 
patient to wear your correction; therefore, always be sure this 
admonition is duly considered. Unless the patient comprehends 
the situation and knows that the glasses are to stop the leakage, 
he will go back on his word, and you will be the loser, and your 
patient will continue to be sick. Be absolutely sure that you get 
your fee for services, or do not prescribe. Most of men are in the 
class David assigned them, for he said in his haste : "All men are 
liars." See that your contract is understood. Get your charges 
for services before the glasses are worn, then if your patient fails 



I46 THE SCIENCE QF NEURO-OPHTHAIvMOLOGY. 

to follow directions, quit him at once, and keep your fee. If he 
repents afterward, charge him a new fee, and make him pay in 
advance, or he will deceive you, to your loss. The man who 
cares nothing for your reputation, cut his acquaintance at once. 
Your reputation is your living in this business. Make patients 
respect you. 

Remember that the cure of patients is your success; if they 
fail to obey instructions, they injure your reputation, and should 
be made to realize that fact at first. 



THE OPHTHALMOSCOPE. 



It is a source of satisfaction to know that we can, by the use 
of the ophthalmoscope, look directly at the retina, and there read 
in unmistakable lines the conditions of it, and ascertain much that, 
without its use, is unsatisfactory and obscure. With this instru- 
ment one can look into the eye and see conditions and draw con- 
clusions in proportion to his information from books as accurately 
as if he could handle the parts himself. 




There are many kinds of ophthalmoscopes. The direct obser- 
vation affords the best satisfaction generally, but the indirect is 
usually sufficiently clear to form a very reliable and satisfactory 
diagnosis of the case. The kinds which are lighted by electricity 
or gas have come into general use, and are sufficiently correct to 
satisfy any one. 

(i47) 



1 



I48 THE SCIENCE OP NEURO-OPHTHALMOLOGY. 

It sometimes happens that a hand ophthalmoscope is all that 
can be used, and even they are attached to a battery, and can be 
carried from place to place as easily as a small battery. If the 
cost is a desideratum, these instruments can be had for any price 
desirable, from a couple of dollars to sixty or seventy dollars. 
The Geneva Optical Company and McCormick are manufacturers 
of very excellent ophthalmoscopes, and easily adjusted to use. 
The Geneva ophthalmoscope has a retinoscope attachment, which 
some might desire to possess. 

HYPEROPIA. 

This is a condition of the eye which means "far-sighted," 
"far-seeing." The natural eye sees 20-20, but the hyperopic eye 
may see 20-15, or even better. To see better than natural requires 
a strain of what is called accommodation. This strain involves 
nerve power, and shows a superabundance of reserve force. The 
amoiiht of nerve force indicates strength of nerve, or over-supply, 
above normal. This nerve power induces its possessor to rebel 
against the use of glasses, for the sight being good, one would 
naturally conclude that glasses were a useless appendage. This is 
the mistake of the age, for herein lies the source of all functional 
diseases. This is indicated in the wrinkled eyebrows, small, 
deep-set eyes, rough skin of face, headache, nervousness, bowel 
troubles, stomach pains, dyspepsia, constipation, female disorders, 
and almost all human ills. 




HYPEROPIC EYE. 



The most wonderful results follow the use of the proper lens 
in cases of cross eyes. Eye strain produces the cross, and the 
strain removed, the cross ceases. If not, why not ? Can any one 



THE SCIENCE OF NEUR0-0PHTHAI*M0I,0GY. 149 

give a reason why an oculist prescribes a concave lens for a 
hyperope except to make him see clearer? Does the oculist or 
optician know that a minus lens on a hyperope doubles the strain 
and increases the difficulty he aims to arrest ? If not, what reason 
has he for prescribing glasses at all ? 

CUNICAL SUGGESTIONS CONCERNING HYPEROPIA. 

It will be remembered that a hyperopic condition of the eyes 
is due to nerve irritation ; that this nerve irritation produces con- 
traction of the muscles in which the nerves irritated end, and this 
interferes with the normal circulation of the blood in the -muscles, 
and a sympathetic reflex action takes place in all the sphincters of 
the body, causing disturbance of function ; hence sore eyes, female 
irregularities, piles, rough skin, and constipation and indigestion, 
or any disease or functional disturbance anywhere in the body. 

After correction of the hyperopia, the source of irritation 
being removed, nature resumes her normal attitude, functions, in 
(of) the body, and health is restored, the cause being removed. 
Full correction acts as if by magic in many cases. The correc- 
tion not only rights the difficulty apparent, but the whole nervous 
system assumes control, and many chronic conditions, thought to 
be incurable, begin to assume a normal action, proving conclu- 
sively that the nervous system is at fault, hampered in functional 
power. Sometimes the patient will experience a functional dis- 
turbance for the time being, and vomiting will set in, which shows 
that an effort is being made to right the wrongs which had before 
existed. This is, however, only temporary, and will soon subside, 
to the betterment of the patient in every respect, and for such 
occasional freaks none need be surprised, for it is only an effort 
of nature to adapt herself to the changed conditions caused by the 
correction of the hyperopia. 

Sore eyes of every form and variety yield to the rational' 
treatment of the Ophthalmologist. Inflamed lachrymal glands, 
ducts and sacs, yield to taking off the strain of the nerves which 
end in and around the organs or parts affected, hastened often- 
times by the local application of a little salt and water, applied 



I50 THE SCIENCE 0£ NEUR0-0PHTHAI,M0U>GY. 

for a few moments at a time several times a day. Cold water if 
only inflammation is present, but hot if there is pain present. 

If there is a condition of asthenopia present, indicated by 
seeing well one moment and the letters fading out the next, there 
should be caution as to a long testing of the eyes at the time, not 
but a few moments, and simply put on plus glasses, and order 
absolute rest for the time being for several days, and then attempt 
examination again. This condition denotes spasm of the ciliary 
nerves. Patients thus afflicted should be excluded from the pres- 
ence of other persons during their examinations, and if, on fur- 
ther examination, the letters fade away gradually, instead of spas- 
modically, it indicates a diseased condition of the optic nerve; 
then absolute rest must be enjoined for several days in a darkened 
room, well ventilated. This condition justifies the use of atropine, 
in order to give the third nerve rest, and a time to recuperate the 
second or optic nerve, hence absolute rest of all of the nervous 
system is indicated in such conditions. 

It will be remembered that a larger percentum of the so-called 
diseases, functional ills of humanity, are caused by hyperopia, eye 
nerve strain, so that the important and essential thing to do in all 
cases of any functional complaint is to be sure to ascertain this 
fact, whether it exists or not, and correct it, as the primary thing 
in your treatment of the case, and then the patient has a better 
assurance of being cured than under any other course of treat- 
ment. The reasonable thing to do always in the cure of any ail- 
ment which afflicts humanity is to remove the cause first. There 
are certain conditions of sight which are necessary to consider : 
If the patient can see as well through a plus lens as without it, it 
is not too strong, and as long as a person sees as well without a 
minus lens as with it, you should not prescribe it. Avoid over- 
correction in myopia. 

" If a minus lens number .50 ax. 180 gives normal vision, 
you had better prescribe a plus .50 ax. 90, even if found under a 
mydriatic (atropine). If a minus cylinder, say — 2.00 ax. 180 
(a minus cylinder), gives normal vision, and the patient still has 
accommodation, prescribe a plus .25 or a plus .50 sphere in con- 
nection with the cylinder, so as to reduce the vision to 20-30, or 






THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHAI<MOI<OGY. 



151 



one line above normal. This is a safeguard to prevent over-cor- 
rection, and saves a little strain in coming up to the reading point." 



MYOPIA. 



This cut represents a condition of the eyes which do not see 
objects at a distance. This condition is near-sightedness, and is a 
diseased condition. 




myopic eye. 

The question is often asked, How long shall I have to wear 
glasses to be well? The answer is. That depends upon circum- 
stances, but, generally speaking, until well. 

If one needs a glass to " stop the leak," is it not as necessary 
to keep the " leak stopped " as it is to " stop " it in the first place ? 
If one needs help, does he not need it all the time until fully sup- 
plied, and then does not the supply need to be kept up all the time ? 

One who has taken medicine for years and is not well, and 
" stopping the leak " cures the complaint, will not " unstopping the 
tank" cause another leak? If one has hyperopia, the cause is 
nerve strain (the leakage which causes so many ills). This leak- 
age must be kept closed, or the drain is renewed. " Stop the leak 
and fill the tank," and keep it filled, are essential to immunity from 
the effects of loss of nerve supply. 

For any errors of refraction the patient should wear glasses 
constantly; the hyperope to relieve the nerve strain and to im- 
prove vision if it is below normal, and the myope to improve 
vision and to correct the action of the muscles of accommodation 
coordinately. 

When the eye has matured, which is about the age of eight s 
or ten years, if the correction is equal to the error, no changes of * 
lenses are required. When a condition arrives called presbyopia, 



152 THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHALMOLOGY. 

at about the age of forty, it will be found that additional spherical 
glasses will be found necessary for near vision only. These it will 
be found necessary to increase from time to time, as the advanced 
age decreases the accommodative power. A plus 3 D. lens having 
been reached, this will always enable one to see at the distance 
of thirteen inches. For seeing nearer, stronger lenses will be 
needed, and for a fixed point, the focus of the lens may be deter- 
mined, for a plus lens has a definite focus, and hence what- 
ever distance the work is from the eyes, the lens may be fitted 
accordingly for seeing. 

CROSS EYES, TO TREAT. 

That this condition is due to nerve strain, or an irritation 
which produces muscular contraction sufficient to draw them out 
of gear, is certainly a proof of the philosophy of nerve influence, 
nerve irritation, or nerve pressure, being responsible for all func- 
tional disturbances in the body commonly denominated disease. 
The fallacy of cutting a muscle when the muscle is as sound as 
any muscle in the body is reprehensible. Whenever the tonic 
spasm is overcome, the eye resumes its normal condition. This 
spasm is an overstrained condition of the nerves, which affects 
the muscle through the nerves ending therein. The foolishness 
of cutting a muscle is absolutely criminal, unjustifiable, and evi- 
dence of ignorance on the part of the operator of the nervous 
system, its functions, and relationship to human ilia. The use of 
a plus lens strong enough to overcome absolutely the hyperopia 
is the remedy. There are cases in which blindness has resulted 
from the long unused retina, but the eyes will, nevertheless, come 
straight if the proper lens is used and continued until the spasm 
subsides ; then the strabismus is gone, and the eye is not injured 
by any cutting. 

In removing that most common of all causes of functional 
diseases, hyperopia, we have especially to consider the refractive 
power or properties of the dioptric system, which are of two kinds, 
static and dynamic. The static is when the muscular system is at 
rest, and the eyes are adapted to the most distant point at which it 



the science oe neuro-ophthalmology. 



153 



can see distinctly. This point is called punctum remotum. The 
dynamic refraction form, or sthenic form, active form, is meas- 
ured when the muscular system, the muscles of accommodation, 
are exerted to their fullest capacity, and the nearest point at which 
it can see distinctly, and this is called its punctum proximum (near 
point). The difference between these two points is called the 
"range of accommodation/' or amplitude of accommodation, the 
power of the eye to accommodate itself to any distance between 
the far and near point. 

In testing the eyes to ascertain the amplitude of accommo- 
dation, we ascertain how far the individual can see objects dis- 
tinctly, say Snellen's test type, twenty feet away. Note it down; 
then place a piece of common newspaper print, and in a good light, 
in the hand, and ascertain how near reading can be done, straining 
the eye to do so, and measure the distance. We express the near 
point in diopters, and this is the amplitude of accommodation. It 
will be remembered that a diopter is about forty inches. 

Persons with normal eyes and at about the age of ten years 
will generally manifest the greatest amplitude of accommodation. 
This is owing to their power of increasing the curvature of the 
crystalline lens. Rays coming from a distance of twenty feet or 
more are termed parallel, and that distance is called infinity, and 
the far point of a normal eye is at that point. The far point of a 
myopic eye would be nearer, owing to the convexity of the lens. 
The far point of a hyperope would be beyond infinity, and the 
myope nearer than infinity. The myope is one whose retina is 
behind the principal focus of the dioptric system. Hyperope is 
one whose principal focus in the dioptric system is behind the 
retina. An emmetrope is one whose focus of the dioptric system 
is on the retina, or at the retina. 

Astigmatism means "without a point," and denotes a con- 
dition of the eye where the retina is at the principal focus of the 
dioptric system in one meridian, and in front or behind it in 
another, or where the retina is in front or behind the focus in both 
meridians, or at a greater distance in one meridian than in the 
other, or where the retina is behind the principal meridian and in 
front of it in another. Astigmatism is supposed to originate in the 



154 THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHAI<MOI<OGY. 

cornea or in the lens ; most generally it will be found in the cornea, 
almost always. If it should have its origin in the lens, it is due to 
nerve irritation, and the same remedy which applies to strabismus 
would apply to it. But the cornea being the locality where we 
will find the trouble, we correct the difficulty as best we can with 
cylindrical lenses. ' 

The five different sorts of astigmatism may be thus classified : 
Simple myopic astigmatism, where the curvature in one meridian 
is normal and in the other at right angles to the first. Second, 
compound myopic astigmatism, where the curvature is too great 
in both meridians, but greater in one than in the other. Third, 
simple hyperopic astigmatism, where the curvature in one meridian 
is normal and in the other not great enough. Fourth, compound 
hyperopic astigmatism, where the curvature in neither meridian is 
sufficient, but in one is more deficient than in the other. Fifth, 
mixed astigmatism, where the curvature is greater than normal in 
one meridian and less than normal in the other meridian. 

An astigmatism where the two principal curvatures not only 
differ, but the curvature in one or both meridians is irregular, no 
known method of correcting this condition is discovered. In prac- 
tice we find very few cases of astigmatism sufficient to pay atten- 
tion to until the eye strain caused by the hyperopia is removed, 
and at the final test we look after the astigmatism and correct it, 
and prescribe accordingly. 

All defective conditions of the eyes are all classed under the 
head "Ametropia" — abnormal. Unequal vision is classed under 
the term "Anisometropia," and means that the refraction of one 
eye differs from the other, causing unequal vision. There are 
three kinds of anisometropia: (i) Where both eyes fix at once, 
and where binocular vision exists; (2) where each eye is used 
alternately; (3) where one eye only is used, the other being per- 
manently excluded. The correction should be made as early as 
possible, and as this condition is due doubtless to unequal nerve 
power, and that in the nerves which go to and end in the ciliary 
muscles, it can be attributed to nerve waste in some of the fila- 
ments controlling certain parts of that muscle. And while some 
cases are benefited by bringing the best eye back to the condition 



THE SCIENCE OE NEURO-OPHTHALMOU)GY. 1 55 

of the worst eye by " fogging" for some time, the cases, as a rule, 
are uninfluenced for good by the use of glasses, and these cases 
need, and should have, the neck and spinal adjustment and the 
indicated diet and normal habits, to equalize the forces in the 
whole body. Especially the hyperopia should be corrected in the 
fixing eye; the best one, if found to exist. Very many of these 
conditions are beyond the ken of mortals. 

Presbyopia is a condition caused by advancing years, and is 
a result of loss of nerve power, due to a deficiency in the elements 
which constitute the media through which the power is conducted, 
and especially through the nervous system which controls the 
muscles of accommodation, the ciliary nerves, the terminals of the 
filaments of the leash, which is denominated the third nerve. This 
loss of nerve power affects the accommodative apparatus. The 
study of the nervous system is one especial desideratum in this 
method of physical practice, and the advancement is infinite; the 
more one knows of the nervous system and the power which per- 
vades it, the better will he be prepared to comprehend the magni- 
tude of the system which eventually will be the leading method 
of healing. 

NEURITIS — NERVE INFLATION. 

Optic neuritis means inflammation of the optic nerve, and 
may begin in the brain or at the periphery of the nerve. If it 
begins at the end of the nerve, say in the retina, it is called ascend- 
ing neuritis ; but if it begins in the brain and descends, it is called 
descending. It may be differentiated by the condition of the eye. 
If there is redness and fading vision, gradually fading out, it is 
ascending, and the Cause is due to irritation in the ends of the 
nerves in the retina itself ; but if there is more of a pallor than a 
redness, and but little if any sight, the trouble is in the brain, at 
the origin of the nerve; and if it involves all of the filaments, 
blindness will be the consequence, and is usually sudden. Both 
conditions are the result of either capillary or venous congestion. 
These conditions are symptoms, and the causes lie deeper than the 
retina, and generally there have been disturbances elsewhere in the 
system long before the manifestations in the eye or the sight is 



I56 THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHALMOLOGY. 

impaired, and when the failing vision begins to manifest, the 
organs involved have gone far along in degeneration ; for instance, 
B right's disease of the kidneys, albuminuria, or any other trouble ; 
or there may be a failing sight in retinitis pigmentosa, and only 
night blindness occur, and no pain attend this condition ; or there 
may be glaucoma, with undue hardness of the eyeball, due to 
filling" up of the eye with venous and arterial blood from closure 
of the outlets, as observed in " choked disk " ; and many other con- 
ditions cause an inflammation of the whole eye and a deteriora- 
tion of sight, and none of these conditions observable until far 
advanced. 

There are so many conditions which cause blindness, that the 
eye itself does not complain of, that too much attention can not be 
paid to the condition of the eye. In the iris we are informed that 
every disease makes its sign, so that one conversant with these 
signs should be able to read therefrom not only the conditions of 
the eyes, but of the whole body. This will eventually be a matter 
of study, when every one learns the importance of the eyes. They 
are the indexes standing out in bold relief, pointing with unerring 
certainty the way the physical body is environed, and tells where 
the enemies are lurking ready to do harm. As the contour of the 
scalp and the wrinkles in the hand tell the character, the life of 
the individual, so the marks and spots in the iris tell the kind and 
localities of disease. While we have the key to unlock the great 
storehouse of the citadel of life, and know how to stop the leakage, 
the iris tells with certainty where it is and the stage of its ravages. 

CONCERNING AUTHORS ON OPHTHALMOLOGY. 

Whilst there is, for the most part, almost a unity of agree- 
ment among authors in regard to the various pathological con- 
ditions of the human eyes, so that when one author is studied a 
similarity of intelligence, if any, is the same as when all are con- 
sulted, and so in the various schools ; consequently, when one takes 
a position that all the authors are wrong (and we might include 
all schools and all authors), the question arises as to the correct- 
ness of the author of this treatise. This is proper, for no human 



the science; of neuro-ophthalmology. 157 

being is without some faults. The author of this book may be in 
error in many respects, and does not claim perfection, but we have 
not attempted to write a full and exhaustive treatise on the eye, 
but our sole aim is to show the reader and the world that the 
nervous system is the media through which all effects called path- 
ology, or disorders of the eye, manifest, and a large per cent, of 
other conditions called functional disorders of the body result. 

We claim that we are justifiable in assuming that any method 
which rights these wrongs should have the preference to mere 
experimentations of hypothetical theories, which have always been 
a failure. They have been failures from the fact that the prin- 
ciples upon which their philosophy of pathology has been founded 
were wrong and are wrong to-day. Then why not discard them 
all ? Error propagated, no matter by whom, can only continue to 
do harm. The McCormick system of optics is, in my judgment, 
the only one that is a proven system, and he is the author of the 
philosophy of "fogging" to get results in errors of refraction, 
which is unsurpassed in the annals of time, so far as hyperopia is 
concerned, and so far as the nervous system of the human eye is 
related to the various diseases of a functional character are con- 
cerned. This he teaches, and he has the honor of being the 
founder of the only school which ever taught this philosophy. 
All Ophthalmologists who have graduated under his instruction 
throughout the country practice this method when they are true 
to the sayings of their master. Whatever has been said in this 
book concerning the treatment of diseases through the nerves of 
the eyes is freely conceded to have come from Professor McCor- 
mick's brain, and those who desire to become experts in this 
science should not fail of the facilities and advantages his manner 
of teaching has over all others. Any one may learn to fit glasses, 
but that is only a concomitant in this business. We have united 
this philosophy with . Neuropathy, and thereby include all of the 
nervous system. The two constitute Neuro-Ophthalmology, but 
this does not include all of the McCormick system, and one 
should learn his method and have his teaching, to be expert in 
Ophthalmology. 

The commonest of all nerve strain is found to be those sup- 



158 the; science of neuro-ophthai,moi,ogy. 

plying the muscles in the organs of sight. While this may be 
surprising to most people, it is nevertheless true. One-tenth of 
all the nerves which constitute the nervous system end in and con- 
trol the muscles of the eyes, and they are so easily influenced by 
the light necessary to see that a constant strain takes place when 
the person attempts to hold the focus on any object, especially 
any near object. And it is a demonstrated fact that wherever the 
mind is directed steadily for any length of time, a superabundance 
of blood accumulates in the organ used, and the accumulation held 
in said locality over a brief period, a condition ensues we denomi- 
nate congestion, and this condition influences the nervous system 
either by stimulating it too much, and causing inflammation of. 
the tissue involved, or separating footlets of the nervous system, 
thereby interfering with nerve function, suspending function, or 
paralyzing, and thus disturbs the harmony in the system, and 
causes disease. This condition is seen in those who use the eyes 
overmuch and persistently, as school attendants do, and as a result 
we ffnd, at the close of school or before, so many nervously pros- 
trated, broken-down, exhausted ones, who, if they had had the 
proper correction of the errors of refraction when they should 
have had it done, the labor of study would not have made them 
invalids and nervously prostrated, as so many now are. 

The masses seem to know but little, if anything, about the 
functions of those nerves which are concerned in the organs of 
sight, their influence on the nervous system generally, or they 
surely would not permit their own students to be broken down 
before they begin the great duties and responsibilities of life — 
before their education is completed sufficiently to even begin life's 
work. The strain begins early in some individuals, later in some, 
and some time in all, and if neglected or not properly attended to, 
much harm ensues, perhaps irreparable injury, not only to the 
sight, but to the nervous system as well. Here we trace the cause 
of many of the ailments which might have been avoided had 
attention been given at the proper time. We are aware of the 
diffidence and indifference regarding this matter, and know that 
it is not intentional, but through lack of understanding of the 
consequences. 






THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHALMOI.OGY. 1 59 

And now, that the reader may have some idea of the relation- 
ship between the nerves which supply the eye and the sympathy 
existing with them and the rest of the body, attention should be 
directed to the care of the eyes, for the strain on them causes a 
large percentage of the diseased conditions of the human family. 
The things which most concern us we seem to care the least about. 

If it were a matter of teaching the reader anatomy, we would 
begin with the structure of the orbit and minutely describe every 
part of the eye; but the afflicted do not care to make that their 
study, for the point in which they are interested is how to get 
relief, and when that is attained there is satisfaction. A delinea- 
tion of what has been done, or what others have received, is not 
of so much interest as "What can you do for me?" 

The science of optics as understood by most of the so-called 
opticians has more to do with refraction in general, rather than 
with the pathological conditions . resulting from the abuse of the 
nervous system. The Ophthalmologist occupies a higher sphere 
than the oculist, who simply corrects refraction (or attempts to), 
without any regard to changing the status of the nervous system 
from a pathological to a physiological condition (from disease to 
health). The operations (tenotomy) for cross eyes is one that 
should seldom be done, for if the proper correction of refraction 
were made, which may be done, the strain is removed, and nature 
restores the lost equilibrium, and the error is righted without cut- 
ting. Then we have another serious blunder to oppose, and that 
is the use of prisms to overcome "muscle strain," for there is no 
such a thing as "muscle strain." The nerves are strained, tired 
out, exhausted! 

With all that has been written on or about the eye, but little 
truth has been exhibited, and most of what has been said is a 
repetition of some one's opinions, and not that advancement we 
should expect from so learned a body as the oculists of the world. 
Pathological conditions have been attributed to other sources than 
their real ones, and the treatment has been in the direction to 
"bacteriaoides" (bug destroying), rather than the removal of the/ 
real cause. The nervous system has not received the attention due 
it, and the consequences are largely failures in Ophthalmology 



l60 THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHM,MOLOGY. 

by the oculists of the day. Learned disquisitions and theoretical 
deductions and hypothetical imaginations have very little to do 
with the facts involved. Any hypothesis incapable of proof is 
absolutely worthless, and should be forever abandoned. What we 
can demonstrate should be accepted and utilized, for we need proof 
of efficacy in all matters where our well being is involved and 
comfort is concerned. When we state that much of the suffering 
and exhaustion so prevalent among business people, and school 
children as well, is directly attributable to eye strain, we are not 
overdrawing the picture, nor stating what can not be shown by 
actual tests. The nerve strain shows itself in general prostration, 
and headaches, constipation, female weakness, and indigestion, as 
well as in a general breaking down. 

WHY NOT GET AT THE FACTS AT ONCE? 

If medicine had curative power or properties in them, and 
there was a certainty in them, a certainty of effects in any, or 
even a majority, or even a few cases and conditions, there could 
be some dependence upon its use But one medicine is extolled 
and blazoned forth in red-ink laudations for a time, and many take 
it, but few, if any, receive any benefit therefrom, and it is retired ; 
another is in like manner highly recommended, and it, too, con- 
signed to a like fate; and thus one after another is tried and 
proven worthless in staying the tide of suffering, and people 
seek in vain for relief from that source, and as medical doctors 
increase, diseases and suffering increase. That men and women 
are deceived by medicine vendors is too true to make a joke of, 
and will be right along until educated out of that idea. 

Since the first recorded case who took medicine until now, 
^ the use of medicine has been one continuous and stupendous, abso- 
lute disappointment ! That many have gotten well who have taken 
medicine is true, but the same may be said of those who have been 
sick and taken no medicine. The faith cure, mental science, sug- 
gestive therapeutics, Christian Science, Osteopathy, and the mas- 
seur treatment as well, have all had their victims, and cures have 
followed them all. Each claiming superiority of efficacy of their 






. 



THE SCIENCE Otf NEURO-OPHTHAlvMOIyOGY. . l6l 

particular theory and "scientific" means, and a strictly scientific 
and absolute cause of human ills, has been the wonder of the ages, 
until the individual, physical man has been thoroughly studied, 
and his powers analyzed ; and this has only recently been accom- 
plished. It has been actually proven and demonstrated that the 
nervous system is, in a certain sense, the media through which all 
effects upon the physical organism are produced, and that when 
no pressure or strain is made or found upon the nerves going to 
and ending in any part of the body, that perfect harmony exists 
throughout the entire system, and that health moves on as a peace- 
ful stream, uninterrupted ; but that overuse, strain, or interference 
with the normal functions of the nervous system produces func- 
tional disturbance of the parts where said disturbed nerves end 
in the body, and sooner or later a special or general disturbance 
ensues as an absolute result; and removal of these permits nature' 
to invariably rectify the wrong and cure the conditions caused byj 
the strain and pressure. 

THINGS WORTH CONSIDERING. 

The question is often asked, Why do so many people" need to j 
wear glasses now? When I was young you would scarcely see. 
any one but old people wearing glasses?" This is a legitimate! 
question, a proper one, and we shall try to answer it in the light 
of reason. If we take into consideration how little the eyes were 
used then, in comparison with what they are now, that will be 
sufficient answer to those who know that the use of any organ in 
the body causes it to need more nerve power ; and while the organ 
itself may not show any signs of loss of power in and of itself, 
and may even appear to be stronger, and be performing its func- 
tions better than natural, yet we may notice, by careful investiga- 
tion, that the rest of the body begins to show signs of lessened 
power, and sooner or later the whole body becomes a nerve wreck, 
or some special part of the body will be lacking in power to per- 
form its functions, then another, and another, and ere long the 
whole body seems weakened, "gives out," and the weakness has 
been so gradual that the one afflicted does not pay special atten- 
(12) 



162 the; science of neuro-ophthai,moi,ogy. 

tion to his condition until complete exhaustion of the whole body 
ensues. This is what the doctors call "nerve waste," nervous 
prostration. 

There may be no pain anywhere in the person so reduced, 
(as not to be able to go about, but a gradual wasting away and 
general weakening of the whole body,) but in many cases a dif- 
ferent condition is found to exist. The head aches at spells, grow- 
ing worse as the days come and go; constipation may be one of 
the conditions which annoy; the stomach may not feel just right; 
food may sour after eating, distressed, bloated feelings may be 
noticed, and finally pains and a general uncomfortable feeling pre- 
vail most of the time. Piles may come on, or nervous spells, even 
to fits, and the liver and kidneys may not be doing their duties, 
and the heart may have spells of palpitation, and a general bad 
feeling all over most of the time ; and the patient may take cold 
easily, and have catarrh and all of the various and sundry ills that 
are common to humanity, and yet not have any idea as to the cause 
of all these troubles. This is not an overdrawn picture, neither is 
it made up to the full extent of what it really is, in many cases, 
for the results are often worse than pen can paint or tongue can 
tell. Now all these conditions are the result of nerve strain, nerve 
pressure, and overuse of the nervous system in any one part of 
the body, but the nerve strain of the eyes are most generally the 
organs to look to for the trouble. 

WHY THE NECESSITY TO WEAR GLASSES? 

The excessive use of the eyes at the present time far exceeds 
any age of the world, and the eagerness to devour everything in 
print increases as the days go and come, for everything learned is 
largely through the "printed page." 

This use of the only organ which takes everything into the 
brain of that sort requires a constant effort on the part of at least 
one cranial nerve, and much of the time three and a third more 
nerves are taxed to their utmost to bring about the consummation 
desired. This exercise of these nerves causes the expenditure of 
a certain amount of nerve force, nerve power, requiring about 






THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHALMOUKJY. 163 

one million diopters daily in the whole body, and one-tenth of this 
force is expended through the eyes. 

The above is the normal expenditure. Considering the matter 
from this standpoint, we can readily understand that, to use the 
eyes, as we generally do, reading and near work, we get rid of 
much power ; and the amount lost through this source can be com- 
puted in diopters, for each second of time we use the eyes beyond 
certain limits, so that we can account for the nerve waste going 
on everywhere in the body all the wakeful hours of the day or 
night we use the eyes. To this loss of power is due the func- 
tional ills of humanity, and Ophthalmologists have, through the 
McCormick system, learned how to arrest this waste by the use 
of the proper lens, and not only prevent, but actually arrest the 
so-called diseases which commonly afflict mankind, by stopping the 
leak, teaching the patient how to re-supply the waste, and thereby 
permit nature to perform her wonted functions, avoiding the use 
of any other means whatever, only a conformity to nature's own 
unerring laws. 

CROSS EYES — TO CURE. 

Cross eyes are so ungainly and unbecoming a disfigurement 
that it would seem to be a boon to the one having such a 
deformity that he would make every effort possible to overcome 
the deformity. And now that there is a positive remedy for 
almost every case, without any cutting of the muscles involved, 
it would seem that none should be so, long. Here is the remedy: 
Test the sight of the eyes, both of them, if there be sight left in 
the cross eye, and put on both eyes a strong enough plus lens to 
either make the good eye see as dimly as the bad eye (provided 
there is sight enough in the bad eye to see to get about), or at 
least not clearer than 20-80 Snellen's test card; and it would be 
better to put the sight back to 20-120 and keep the glasses on 
patient during wakeful hours until the eyes come straight, and 
then have them worn for a few months afterward; then correct 
vision again, and put on the correction which brings the good eye 
back one line above where he can see with the naked eye. Letting 
this be the rule, the eyes will be all right afterward, if worn. 









164 THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHAI,MOI<OGY. 

This will result, even if the cross eye is altogether blind. In 
case there is sight left in the cross eye, it may be improved by 
use, and a good way to use it is to fog the good eye back to its 
strength and compel patient to bear the inconvenience for months, 
and thus insure an attempt to use the bad eye as much as pos- 
sible. The thing to remember is, do not permit the cross eye to 
be strained at any time, or it will return to its condition from 
whence it has been delivered. Glasses will have to be constantly 
worn after the eye is straight, because strain was the cause of the 
cross, and it would do the same afterward. This is the best 
remedy for cross eyes, for it is always successful. This remedy 
alone is a marvel in Ophthalmology. 

The reasons we do not enter into a general treatise on eyes : 
First, there are but few of the readers of this book who care to 
make a specialty of refraction, or even treating the eyes with 
glasses to cure disease, preferring other lines of practice. Second, 
if we # were to fully embrace all that one should know to be a suc- 
cessful, intelligent eye specialist, it would require a full outline 
and explanation of all of the conditions called diseases of that 
organ, anatomically, physiologically, and pathologically, together 
with the law of physical optics. This we have not space to give. 
Third, the means of ascertaining the amount of nerve strain is all 
that we consider in this treatise, and that especially under the 
head "Hyperopia." That condition of the eye is the essential 
thing to correct, for almost all diseases of a functional character 
spring from results of eye strain. Inasmuch as so much is 
involved in this department, and the proper correction is fraught 
with such favorable results, we deem it sufficient to only deal with 
this department of Ophthalmology, and leave the student who 
wishes to acquire further knowledge of this part of the human 
body as a special study to attend a college where the science is 
amplified, and applied systematically and specifically. 

Professor Charles McCormick, 2500 Prairie Avenue, Chicago, 
Illinois, being the originator of the system which we advise, and 
learned in the science, is able to demonstrate it fully and compre- 
hensibly to his students. The principles herein set forth are of 



THE SCIENCE OF NEUROOPHTHALMOLOGY. 165 

his provings, largely as regards the subject of Ophthalmology, 
and only need to be applied, tested, to show their worth. The 
science of Neuro-Ophthalmology will be found ample to cure 
human ills where failure has been the result of other systems of 
practice, and as no drugs are used, it is not hazardous to life, but 
the richest boon possible to suffering humanity. The Osteopathic 
system has its limits ; Chiropractic is also a limited measure ; but 
when we use Neuro-Ophthalmology combined, we absolutely cover 
the ground of human ills, so far as human expediency is neces- 
sary, and then nature does the rest — restores the lost harmony. 

The following method of finding nerve eye strain will be 
found satisfactory: 

THE NERVES OF* THE EYE FACTORS IN PRODUCING DISEASE. 

The structure of the eye as regards anatomy may be studied 
anatomically in the various books on the anatomy of the human 
body. The general make-up is spherical, and forms a camera for 
the admission of light, and the media through which the light is 
admitted is made up of, first, the cornea ; second, the aqueous 
humor ; third, the lens ; fourth, the vitreous body. The admission 
of direct rays — parallel rays — and of oblique rays differ as the 
effects differ. The one is without an effort on the part of the 
muscles of the eye, or as regards the influence of the nervous 
system which controls the eye. The direct rays. cause no strain, 
but the oblique rays do; and the latter are the source of nerve 
strain, and we are affected physically, in proportion to the effort 
made, to control the amount of light admitted into our eyes, and 
the how it is admitted. 

That part of the eye called the retina is made up of the 
endings of the second nerve filaments, and these are in layers, 
reaching as far forward as the ora-serrata. It is said to have ten 
distinct layers, merging into six layers at, or near, and around 
the "yellow spot," where sight is the most distinct. The media 
is composed of clear substances, and parallel rays of light pass 
directly to the retina without refraction (without breaking) ; but 
it being a law of physics regarding light that "rays of light, on 



l66 THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHAI,MOU)GY. 

entering a denser media at an oblique angle, tend to converge 
toward the perpendicular, they necessarily break at their entrance 
of the denser media. The media of the eye is denser than air, in 
the ratio of I to 1^2, so that the rays of light entering the eye at 
an oblique angle are broken, and the under rays, retarded in their 
course, turn toward the base in the above ratio in passing through 
the media of the eye. Now, as the admission of light, oblique 
rays, requires an effort to control the amount of light they trans- 
mit, there is an apparatus at the very threshold, which is called 
the iris, a circular muscle, with both circular and longitudinal 
fibers, controlled by the filaments of the third cranial nerve ending 
in said muscle, which permit of lessening the size of the pupil 
(the round hole in the iris), or increasing its size. Our attention 
will be directed to it, for this is the key to the problem of eye 
strain, nerve waste, the loss of nerve power, hence the cause of 
functional human ills. 

The constant strain on the nerve to regulate the size of the 
pupil so as to focus objects at all distances may be borne for 
many years, while the supply is large and the recuperative power 
is strong; but after a while we discover symptoms of strain, 
exhaustion, notwithstanding the fact that the eye is the only 
organ in the body which overcomes its own defects. The con- 
stant effort to see what passes before the eye, and especially 
when near objects are seen, requires an effort on the part of these 
muscles, the ciliary, and as muscles have no power within them- 
selves and only one function, that of contraction, therq is a con- 
stant draft on the nerve elements to execute the power to control 
the muscles. This constant strain is shown in the following table, 
expressed in diopters: 

Accommodation: ?„.,..*; T > = 6.00 D. 

( Right Bye, + 3.00 j 

- ( Left Eye, 4- 1.50 ) _ 

Convergence: i-n* -u*-^ >- = 3.00 D. 

& I Right Eye, + 1.50 J 

Total, 9 D. of work in performing their labor, that of accom- 
modation and convergence, and this is going on every second of 
wakeful hours. To find out how much nerve power one is losing 
in a day through the action of the nerves involved, all we have to 



THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHAI,MOI<OGY. 167 

do is to multiply the 9 D. by 60, then by 60, and then by 3, to 
get the amount of work done in three hours, which we find to be 
97,200. Now, to it we add the supposed strain of the second, 
fourth, sixth, and one-third of the fifth nerves, 2,800, we have 
100,000 D. for the three hours per day labor. Now, if we esti- 
mate these nerves as one-tenth of the nerve strain going on 
through all of the forty-two faculties, we will have for three 
hours a strain of 1,000,000. This is an estimate of only three 
hours' labor for the entire body, or, rather, the forty-two faculties 
of our nervous system. The above is the emmetropic standard. 
If there were no more strain than the above described state- 
ment indicates, there would be but little need for considering the 
strain as a cause of disease; but we find that., in the hyperope, 
the one who has at least one diopter of strain of accommodation 
additional, it changes the conditions materially, for this gives a 
strain of at least 23 per cent, of loss of nerve power, as per the 
following table: 

. , . . f Left Bye, 1.00 ) _ 

Accommodation: < _ . i . l, > = 2.00 D. 

( Right Bye, 1.00 ) 

Automatic Convergence : < _,. , . i ' } = 1.00 D. 

& [ Right Bye, 0.50 ) 

Negative Convergence, ( Left Bye, 0.50 "} 
3rd and 6th Nerves: ( Right Bye, 0.50 J " 

Total, = 4.00 D., both eyes. 

The above represents the strain a hyperope of one diopter 
is undergoing every second of wakeful hours, and it amounts to 
23 per cent, per day of sixteen hours' exercise of the eyes. Mul- 
tiply 4 D. by 60 by 60 by 16, and we have 230,400, which equals 
23 per cent, of nerve strain. 

This condition has never been considered until Dr. McCor- 
mick discovered it and taught it, and when the various prac- 
titioners are brought to a realization of these facts, they will go 
on in their blind, inexplicable way of treating names of diseases 
instead of arresting the nerve waste, removing the cause of such 
a large percentum of nerve power, which, when arrested, fur- 
nishes immunity from at least a very large class of human ills. 
That the world should be deprived of this incalculable boon to 



1 68 THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHALMOLOGY. 

humanity on account of the stolid ignorance and unwarranted 
stubbornness of physicians is inexcusable. With this leverage 
against causes of human ills at command, at least a large majority 
of so-called diseases should be cured and nipped in the bud. Prej- 
udice is a mighty barrier to progress, and all this is due to an 
undue cultivation of the baser faculties. 

The following method of arresting the strain is the best 
known, and its discoverer is certainly entitled to the praise of 
suffering humanity: 

SOME OF THE PRELIMINARIES ESSENTIAL TO A PROPER UNDER- 
STANDING OF HOW TO USE THE TEST CASE, TRIAL 
FRAME, AND KIND OF LENSES NEEDED TO 
CORRECT ERRORS OF REFRACTION. 

The trial case should have a supply of plus (4-) and 
minus ( — ) spherical lenses, ranging from a quarter diopter to 
at least- ten diopter strength, graded from a quarter diopter, 
increasing a quarter diopter to four diopters, then increasing a 
quarter diopter the balance. Then there should be correspond- 
ing plus and minus cylinder lenses on other side of case, together 
with prisms, from a half degree to twenty degrees, and the double 
prism, slots and pinhole disks, and black and red disks, and an 
extra trial frame for loosely holding lenses. The regular trial 
frame should be arranged for special convenience for changing 
lenses and fitting cylinders, and all such things as temple and 
pupil measure, height of nose bridge and side bows, so as to hook 
over the ears, and a slide arrangement, so as to accommodate any 
sized face. 

The card board for distance test is the "Snellen" card, "test 
card board," kept by optical companies. The astigmatic chart 
should be utilized in every examination, and a record kept of 
every step taken in the examination. The careful study of the 
power and action of lenses should not be lost sight of, for the 
examiner who prescribes glasses for defects under this system 
should know that they mean for good or evil, according as they 
are applied; hence, certainty should be absolutely the rule, fop 



THE SCIENCE OF NEUROOPHTHAIyMOLOGY. 169 

this science recognizes the fact that actual measurement of nerve 
power can be determined and ascertained by the intelligent appli- 
cation of this science, with the trial case ; so that the weal or woe 
of our patients is in our hands, and we should know what to do 
in every individual case which comes to us for relief. This is 
not a "guess-work" in any sense, but an absolute mathematical 
science ; hence its superiority over all others. 

This department is of inestimable value, and crowns the 
other two methods with success. The individual who would be 
a physician in the fullest sense of the term should understand all 
that we have shown in this book, and each several department is 
withia the reach of all intelligent persons ; but it requires time, 
and close, hard study to master them. 



HOW TO MEASURE ERRORS OF 
REFRACTION. 



THE "fogging system." 

The simplest way to do a thing is always the best way. This 
method of procedure is the simplest, easiest, most accurate, and 
the quickest, and has been the most satisfactory of any, for it fully 
determines nerve power used through the organs of vision. The 
principle being correct, it is always successful, when thoroughly 
understood by the one testing the eyes. It obviates the necessity 
of using mydriatics, except in very rare cases, and thus removes 
the dread of having the pupils dilated and sight dimmed for days, 
and an - occasional bad effect therefrom. 

The eyes should be examined locally as well for external 
appearance, whether normal or otherwise, and the patient ques- 
tioned as to general conditions, history, treatment and habits, 
heredity and business, diet, etc. These are to be recorded. Then 
the retina should be examined by the Ophthalmoscope, in order, 
to find the actual state and color and proportion of the blood, its 
quality and color, etc. And if any other organ is implicated, the 
kidneys, and if so, the degree of change in structure, etc. Note 
the shape of the face, whether dished or flat, whether the nose has 
a low or a high bridge, whether the face is full, round and plump, 
or flat, skinny and pale, rough or abnormal. Note the condition 
of the eyelids, cornea, sclerotic, and appearance and conditions 
generally. 

It will be observed that the hyperope has a small, receding 
eye, dished face, and a low nose bridge, and generally vertical 
lines in center of forehead, indication of drawn features, as if 
strained; whereas, in the myope we have a full face, high nose 
bridge, and a condition just the opposite exists in myopic cases — 
(170) 



THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHALMOI<OGY. 171 

myopic people. The one is far-sighted, and the other is near- 
sighted. One sees objects at all distances, while the other only 
sees objects near by. The one has a diseased or functional dis- 
turbance from nerve strain, but the myope may have a diseased 
eye, or some constitutional trouble as well. The myopic eye is 
said to be a "product of civilization," generally a consequence of 
long use at near work, which in such cases is a result of a bad 
habit. Very frequently this condition may be remedied by the 
use of plus lenses. 

Having made the necessary examinations and recorded all of 
the facts desired, the further test of the eyes may be continued, 
as follows : To test the normal strength of the eyes, we proceed 
as follows to ascertain the accommodation power : Placing in the 
hands of the patient a newspaper, ordinary print, before the eyes 
at ordinary reading distance, we ask the patient to begin to read 
aloud any special matter cited, and as the reading proceeds request 
the advancement of the paper toward the face until the reading 
begins to be difficult to read — read with considerable strain — 
and there to be held until measurement is taken of the distance 
from the eyes to the page of reading. Record this in inches or 
diopters for future comparison after the testing is completed. 

It will be understood that a diopter is about 40 inches, and 
if we divide that number by the number of inches the reading 
is held from the eye to read it, say eight inches, we have as a 
product the number 5, which means a fifth diopter. This rule will 
hold good for any other distance, and should always be correctly 
recorded. 

Having ascertained the accommodative power of the patient's 
eyes, we have him seated at a distance of twenty feet, fifteen feet, 
or ten feet, as the case may be, in front of a Snellen test card, with 
a good light, showing the letters distinctly, and ask the patient to 
read the letters on the card, beginning at the top (largest letters) 
and read down, as many times as possible, with both eyes open, 
and record this, what line has been seen, the lowest and the small- 
est on the card; understanding, to begin with, that these lines 
have a signification which aids in forming a conclusion of your 
analysis of the case at the final conclusion of the examination, 



172 THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHALMOWJGY. 

and constitutes one of the peculiarities of difference between 
this method and all others practiced. It is absolutely important 
to note all and each step in the proceedings of examination. This 
is essential to a correct knowledge of the actual condition of each 
and every case examined. Next, place a card over one eye, and 
have the patient read the card down, as before, recording last line 
read, and change card to other eye ; have card board read as far 
down as possible. Record these readings in fractions, as follows: 
If with one eye patient reads down to the line with 20 above it, 
record it as follows: 20-20; and if with the other eye the card 
board is read down to 30-15 or 40, record it accordingly; for 
instance, 20-30, 20-15, or 20-40, and mark "R" for right eye and 
" L, " for left eye, so as to avoid any confusion ; in a word, be par- 
ticular. This is an exact science, and demands exactitude on the 
part of the examiner. No slipshod carelessness should be allowed 
in a correct application of a science which has such wonderful 
consequences as this. If the patient sees the line on card board 
marked 20 above it, twenty feet away, that shows normal vision. 
If he sees the line with 15 above it, twenty feet away, it shows 
above normal. If above normal, it is an evidence of hyperopia, 
and that no astigmatism, or but little, exists. It is well to consider 
these conditions and record them accurately. 

THE MUSCLE TEST. 

The simplest way is to place before one eye a double prism, 
and before the other a plain red glass, covering it with a black 
disk. Now have the patient look at a light or a square white 
object in front of him, and so arrange the double prism that he 
will see two objects, either two lights or two white spots, and 
they in line vertically ; now remove the black disk from the other 
eye, and there will be a red light between the two white lights 
or objects. If the eyes are normal, the red light will be in line 
with the two white lights ; if to either side, it denotes weakness 
or irritation of the nervous system, and the degree of deviation 
may be measured by a prism. If the deviation is to the right and 
left of the center, the condition is called exophoria; but if the 
lights separate, it is esophoria, if they cross over. The eyes in 



THE SCIENCE OF NEUROOPHTHALMOI.OGY. 173 

muscular insufficiency deviate ' the same way the lights do. If 
the deviation is up or down and out, it is hyperexophoria ; but if 
it is up or down and in, it is called hyperesophoria. 

To measure the amount of the deviation, a prism should be 
held before one eye — either eye — until one is found which 
brings all the lights in a line, and the strength of the prism deter- 
mines the degree of deviation. If the base of the prism is toward 
the nose, it proves that the internal recti is too active, and indi- 
cates nerve strain (of the nerves supplying the internal recti). 
The result is a contraction of the muscle, and the eye turns inward, 
out of equilibrium. If the base is turned outward, it shows the 
weakness of the internal recti nerve endings, and there is a 
manifest weakness of accommodation power. 

If the base of the prism is up or down, it shows weakness of 
the superior recti in one eye, or the inferior in the other eye. If 
in an angular position, it may indicate involvement of several 
muscles. The weak muscles are always under the apex of the 
prism. Prisms do not cure these conditions, and should never be 
prescribed for that purpose. Always correct the errors of refrac- 
tion, and prescribe absolute rest for the patient, and nature will 
cure the muscle trouble. 

The foregoing is a method of ascertaining the dynamic power 
of the nervous system, for the double prism throws the muscles 
out of "gear," and any deviation from a normal condition is mani- 
fested. The normal state is called " orthophoria." Any deviation 
is called " heterophoria," and the latter may be classified as fol- 
lows: Esophoria, where the eyes turn in; exophoria, where the 
eyes turn out; and hyperexophoria, where the eyes turn, one up 
and the other down; and these may be combined with either of 
the two first named, and is named accordingly hyperesophoria, 
hyperexophoria. The test demonstrates a nervous difficulty, strain 
or weakness, and furnishes us a key to the condition. If there is 
exophoria, it means weakness, and if there is esophoria, it indi- 
cates an irritation of the nervous system which supplies the 
muscles of the eyes. The one we call exhaustion, and the other 
irritation, which sooner or later causes strain of all the nervous 
system through sympathy, and functional disturbance anywhere. 



174 THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHAIvMOIvOGY. 

Now comes the correction of the sight, which we utilize for 
ascertaining what glasses are needed to stop nerve waste. After 
having found the actual strength of the nervous system which 
controls the functions of the eyes, we proceed to correct the vision. 
If there is any difference, correct the best eye first. 

We place in the front cell of the trial frame a plus (+) lens 
(sphere) strong enough to blur vision until the largest type on 
the card board is seen dimly in front of one eye, and in the other 
side a black disk. This leaves but one eye to examine for the time 
being, as the black disk obscures the sight in the other one. Begin 
the "unfogging" (for the plus (+) lens before the eye that sees 
the letters dimly is in a condition we denominate "fogged") by 
taking from the trial frame the weakest minus ( — ) lens, — 25 in 
one hand and a minus ( — ) 50 in the other, and hold before the 
eye that is fogged first the — 25 and then take it away, and hold 
the — 50 there a moment ; then replace the — 25 into the case and 
take therefrom a — 75, and now again hold the — 50 in front of 
eye, and take it away and place the — 75 before the eye, replacing 
the — 50 back in case, and take a — 1. 00 next, holding the last 
one, — 75, in front again for a moment, then the — 1.00, and con- 
tinue thus with the higher minus lenses until the patient sees the 
line above the one he could see in looking at the card without the 
glasses on. Now, having found the strength of the minus ( — )j 
you last held before the eye, subtract that number from the " fog- 
ging lens," and take from case a plus (+) lens, which repre- 
sents the difference between the minus ( — ) lens last used and the 
fogging lens, and place it in the rear slot, behind the lens used 
for fogging, and take the other lens out. See if the patient can 
read as well as before. If so, let that suffice as to the spherical 
correction. 

Now call attention to the astigmatic card, having the patient 
see if all the lines are black alike, and if not, which are the black- 
est, noting the meridian the lines are the blackest, and take from 
the case a slot disk, slip it into the front slot over corrected eye, 
with glass in frame, with the axis (the opening) corresponding 
to the black lines, and now hold minus ( — ) spheres in front of 



THE SCIENCE! OB* NEUR0-0PHTHAI,M0U>GY. 



175 



it (slot), beginning with (minus) — 25, gradually increasing them 
until all the lines look alike. This indicates the strength of the 
cylinder required. To get its power where the slot stood, put the 
axis right in the opposite direction. Then direct attention to the 
card again, and see if all the lines look alike, and also to the test 
card, and see if it can be read as well as before ; if not so well, 
hold a minus ( — ) or plus (+) lens in front of glass, beginning 
with the weakest spheres, until the sight is as it was. If the read- 
ing is better, add more plus until it is as before (one line above 
the one seen without the glasses). 

THE NEUROMETER. 

Emmetrope working at thirteen inches, three hours. 



Near Point. 


Diopters. 


Age. 


Nea 


.r Pov 


nt. piopters. 


Age. 


2/ inches 




14.00 


10 


8 inches 


5-oo 


38 


3 


<i 




13.00 


12K 


9 


<< 




4.5o 


40 


3# 


«{ 




12.00 


15 


10 


<< 




4.00 


42K 


ZVz 


<« 




11.00 


I7K 


11 


<i 




3.5o 


45 


4 


<< 




10.00 


20 


13 


i< 




3.00 


47^ 


aYz 


(< 




9.00 


23K 


16 


(C 




2.50 


50 


5 


<< 




8.00 


26^ 


20 


II 




2.00 


53K 


5 X A 


t< 




7.00 


30 


26 


<( 




1.50 


56^ 


ey z 


<c 




6.00 


34 


40 


II 




1.00 


60 


These are 


to be added as ii 


idicated to above: 






1. 00 


D. 


, 10 years, 


loss of 


nerve power, 


23 per cent. 


/ 




1.25 


D. 


, 8tf « 


«( 




(< 


28X 


(( 






1.50 


D. 


, 7% " 


II 




l« 


34^ 


CI 






2.00 


D. 


, 5 " 


II 




II 


46 


<< 






2.50 


D. 


, 4 " 


«« 




II 


57^ 


<« 






3-o° 


D. 


. 3K " 


II 




<< 


69 


«< 






4.00 


D. 


, *% » 


II 




II 


92 


«( 





"Exceptions. — If there is total presbyopia, or if the error is 
more than four diopters, add nothing to the table. 

For hyperopia, with muscle troubles, esophoria up to three or 
four diopters, pay no attention to nor add anything ; but if of high 
degree, add 10 per cent, more than if there was orthophoria. 

If there is exophoria, and it remains after correction, add 
three-quarters as much as for orthophoria, and if it is ten or more 



176 THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHAI<MOI<OGY. 

degrees, and remains after correction, add one-half as much as 
for orthophoria. 

Exophoria is proof of an abundance of nerve supply and 
irritation. 

If a patient is really younger than is shown by the table after 
making allowances for his case, he is in a bad condition, and rest 
is imperative. 

THERE ARE OTHER WAYS Otf CORRECTING ASTIGMATISM. 

One way is to place the slot on the meridian opposite the 
black lines; direct attention to the lines on the card board and 
record what he sees ; then turn the slot the other way, when the 
vision will be made worse ; now hold minus ( — ) spheres in front 
of it until that meridian is as good as the other one, and the 
minus ( — ) sphere last used will tell the cylinder required. 

And still another way : Take minus ( — ) cylinders and hold 
[(weak ones first) so that the axis is at right angles to the black 
lines, increasing their power until the lines are alike. There may 
be astigmatism, and yet the patient sees no difference in the lines. 
In such cases we use the slot and the letters. The letters should 
be always used in testing the other ways. 

There are some high degrees of astigmatism in which a trial 
of the higher power cylinder lenses may be necessary. Begin with 
the plus (+), and if they don't do, use the minus ( — ), rotating 
the axis until the meridian of best vision is found, and if none is 
found by this process, it will be necessary to build up or down, 
as indicated. It makes no difference as to how the proper cylinder 
is found; it should be proven. If reversing the axis makes it 
worse, it proves it correct ; and if not, throw it out. If the rever- 
sion of the axis makes it worse, return it to its place and leave it 
there. Then take a 3^25 and a — 25 cylinder, one in each hand; 
try the plus (+) first, axis on axis, and if the sight is as good, 
weaken the cylinder. If vision is worse, try the minus ( — ), axis 
on axis, and if that improves vision, do not increase the cylinder 
until you have compared the — 25 cylinder with the — 25 spheres ; 
then if the cylinder is the best, the cylinder is proved correct. 

Now, we ascertain the vision again. Then we test the accom- 



the science; of neuroophthai.moi.ogy. 177 

modation by having patient read the newspaper print again, taking 
a measurement of the distance, as at the first, in inches or diopters, 
and last of all test his muscle power again, if there was either 
esophoria or exophoria at the starting in of the examination; 
otherwise this need not be repeated. 

In our correction of errors of refraction we should first look 
for spheres: plus (^) spheres, and next minus ( — ) cylinders, 
and third for minus ( — ) spheres. 

In our examination we shall find one or more of the following 
conditions : 

First, plus spheres (+), which equal simple hypermetropia. 

Second, + sphere, — cylinder = simple hyperopia and astig- 
matism, or compound hyperopic astigmatism, or mixed astigma- 
tism. 

Third, — cylinders = simple myopic astigmatism. 

Fourth, — cylinder, — spheres == compound, mixed astigma- 
tism. 

Fifth, — spheres = simple myopia. 

Transposition of Prescriptions. — The only kind which need 
transposition are the second named, which have plus spheres 
and minus cylinders. These only when the signs differ, and the 
cylinder is less than twice as strong as the spheres. 

To analyze compounds the following is submitted: 

To put on the cross — First meridian, first lens. Second 
meridian, effect of both lenses. 

To re-write a prescription — Correct meridian of least defect, 
if there is one, with a sphere. Allow for its effect on the other 
meridian, and finish with a cylinder minus ( — ) axis on meridian 
first corrected. 

Another method of transposing a compound prescription is 
as follows : 

Example : Say we have a prescription as follows : 

+ 3-5o — i-75» axis 9° 
Now we subtract the — from the + and change the axis, 
thus: 

-f 3.50 — 1.75, axis 90 

— i»75 

(13) -f 1.75 + 1.75, axis 180 



178 THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHAI,MOI<OGY. 

It will be remembered that when the signs are alike, or when 
they differ, and when the cylinder is at least twice as strong as 
the sphere, they are right as they come from the trial frame. But 
if the signs differ, and the cylinder is less than twice as strong as 
the sphere, they should be transposed. It is better that the one 
prescribing do the transposing. The above is the gist of the 
McCormick procedure as recorded on pages 34 and 35, Optical 
Truths. Whilst it is proper for the Ophthalmologist to send in 
his prescriptions corrected, yet the manufacturers of optical goods 
and spectacles make the correction if he does not. It shows ability 
and understanding to have work done and orders all sent in as 
they are to be worn by the patient, and the record kept will show 
for itself, should it ever be needed. No one should pretend to 
prescribe for another without first knowing how, and to be fully 
prepared, it is better to take a course of instructions under or of 
a competent teacher. A prescription simply to see better is an 
easy thing to make, but much harm is done through the use of 
glasses haphazardly prescribed and used. It pays to do a thing 
right always. 

Inasmuch as thirteen inches is the usual distance for reading, 
when we make a correction for a hyperopic condition, or to arrest 
nerve waste, and find that the patient needs additional strength to 
his glasses to read that distance, we prescribe additional lenses, 
which, being added, make the glass of three diopters strength 
altogether. Instance: If we shall have examined a case and 
find the following prescription is needed, and we wish to add for 
reading, this example will explain how it is done: 

Left Bye, + 1.00 -f- 0.75, axis 90 
Right Bye, -j- 1.00 -\- 1.00, axis 90 
Add -j- 2.00 for reading, would be 

Left Bye, -|- 3.00 -f- 0.75, axis 90 
Right Bye, -j- 3.00 -f- 1.00, axis 90 

Prescription for distance: 

Left Bye, — 3.00 — 2.00, axis 180 

Right Bye, — 2.50 — 1.50, axis 180 
Add for reading, it would be thus, to equal -f- 3 D.: 

Left Bye, — 2.00, axis 180 

Right Bye, + 0.50 — 1.50, axis 180 



THE SCIENCE) Otf NEURO-OPHTHAIvMOLOOY. 179 

Sometimes the addition for reading makes it necessary to 

transpose the prescription; according to the law of prescription 

writing, thus: 

Left Eye, -j- 1.00 — 2.50, axis 180 
Right Bye, -f- 2.00 — 4.00, axis 45 
Add -f- 2.00 for reading, would be 

Left Eye, -f- 3.00 — 2.50, axis 180 
Right Eye, -f- 4«oo — 4.00, axis 45 

which would be technically incorrect ; but putting it on the cross 
and analyzing it, we have it thus: 

Left Eye, + 0.50 -f- 2.50, axis 90 

Right Eye, -f- 4.00, axis 135, for reading — added when reading. 

It should always be remembered that after the distance vision 
is corrected, the additional for reading is always made with 
spheres, and the added lenses must be of equal power, and that 
the amount added for reading depends upon whether the accom- 
modation is totally or only partially gone. The only object of the 
additional lens is to supply the power the patient is unable to per- 
form. Never add less than one nor more than three plus for 
reading. 

OVER-FOGGING. 

When a glass is so strong that it becomes a source of annoy- 
ance, it should be weakened. For instance, we find that a certain 
strength glass completely overcomes all the hyperopia, and seems 
to be just the glass we ought to prescribe to cure the affection for 
which it is designed ; but the patient complains and will not wear 
it. What is to be done? Arbitrary rule in such cases excites 
opposition, and would provoke opposition that would utterly fail 
of success — in fact, would drive the patient from your office to 
some one else. Now, what is the right thing to do? It is easily 
settled. Either persist in enforcing the arbitrary mandates, or 
modify conditions by lessening your strength of glasses to be 
worn, and then after a time increase their strength, or let your 
patient go and remain uncured. This is not only politic, but abso- 
lutely proper and right, for some people are so extremely nervous, 
and so determined, that they want to feel that they have a right 



180 the; science of neuro-ophthaIvMology. 

to their ways sometimes, and it is proper and right they should. 
Ascertain as near as possible the temperament of your patient, 
and see that you obtain all the conditions as nearly as possible, 
and learn the knack of "fogging" the mind as well as the sight 
when necessary, but remember that everything and everybody 
has a "limit angle" in this world, and that circumstances should 
always be considered. 

It will be found that some cases have been wearing minus 
glasses, prescribed by oculists or opticians, because the patient was 
made to see better through them, and hence they were given the 
minus glasses, when really they were suffering from headaches, 
and were hyperopic. In such cases, in order to bridge the chasm, 
begin with weak plus glasses, and examine eyes frequently, and 
gradually increase the power of the lenses until the difficulty is 
overcome and the proper glass is prescribed to absolutely do the 
work intended. These cases are not very frequently found, but 
are sometimes, and they must be dealt with kindly, or our object 
may be thwarted and a deserving person fail to get the relief 
needed. Do not be arbitrary when no good can be accomplished 
by it. Don't be a bantam, assuming that all the territory there is 
belongs to you. 



GRANULATED EYELIDS. 



Inasmuch as many are afflicted with sore eyes, and have tried 
the methods in use for relief and failed to obtain it, I would not 
feel exempt from duty were I to neglect to add to this book a 
certain method of curing sore eyes, whether acute or chronic in 
character. Ordinary cases will get well from correction of errors 
of refraction, as per the instructions in this book ; but some cases 
of granulations, with pannus, need the following treatment one 
to three times a week, viz. : 

Insert the forefinger into the outer canthus of the eye, then- 
place thumb on outside of lid ; squeeze lid, and with a shambling 
motion and pressure move toward inner canthus, squeezing the 
lid hard enough to feel the granules give way under thumb and 
finger as they pass along. Then bathe eyes in a solution of table 
salt, from a tablespoonful to as weak as a teaspoonful to a pint 
of water. There may be a few drops put into the eyes two or 
three times a day, and if there is a condition of acute inflamma- 
tion, use the solution of salt and water over both eyes in the form 
of cloths wrung out of the solution, repeating the application every 
few minutes. This should consume from a half to one hour each 
sitting, and once to three times a day. If very painful, use hot 
water; otherwise cold water is sufficient in ordinary cases. 

In the squeezing of the granules, be careful that the finger is 
kept pulled away from the cornea, for the cornea should not be 
rubbed by the back of the finger in this kind of treatment. The 
stretching or pulling the upper lids of the eyes relieves all pressure 
in cases of corneal ulcers, and will absolutely cure them without 
the use of atropine. This instruction is worth everything to the 
victims of granulated eyelids, for there is no better remedy known 
to man. Do not fail to have the cause, hyperopia, removed, and 
that not only takes off the strain from the eyes, but stops the waste 

(181) 



182 THE SCIENCE 0E NEURO-OPHTHAI<MOIyOGY. 

from the whole body, and cures other complaints and conditions 
as well. This philosophy is far-reaching. This treatment, with 
a little common sense exercised, will accomplish wonders! 

THE TREATMENT FOR CHRONIC SORE EYES. 

Trachoma, or granulated eyelids, are a source of much dis- 
comfort, and frequently end in blindness, and a remedy which will 
absolutely cure this condition should be hailed with eclat by the 
afflicted, and even by the physician. Things reliable are what we 
want now. The same measures cure corneal ulcers as well, and 
most certainly in all cases. 

The process is as follows: Let patient be in a recumbent 
posture, on the back is the best ; and now, after the operator has 
thoroughly cleansed his hands and lingers with soap and water, 
let the forefinger be inserted under the upper lid, as far back as 
may be under the tarsal fold, holding the lid between the finger 
and the thumb; let squeezing be commenced at outer canthus 
(outer side of eyeball), gradually moving thumb and finger 
toward the nose, and lifting lid upward and away from the cornea 
as the pressure is being made on the granules of the upper lid, and 
as the finger approaches the inner canthus, turn ball or palm of 
finger toward nose, and press quite hard against the inner corner 
of eye a moment, on lacus lacrymalis, and this last pressure cures 
pterygium as well. The above treatment should be done every 
other day for a few times, then at longer interval until patient 
is cured. 

If there are follicular nodules or soreness under lid, insert 
forefinger into inner canthus, patient looking upward, and skin 
below lid being pulled down, the finger is easily inserted; then 
let pressure be made against the lid as it is pressed against malar 
orbital plate. This should be readily understood, for the main 
thing in this procedure is to press the granules and stretch the 
lids — take off the pressure — so that nature can restore the parts 
to harmony. To free the circulation and remove pressure are the 
objects of the above. The application of a solution of common 



THE SCIENCE OE NEURO-OPHTHAI<MOU)GY. 183 

table salt, one tablespoonful to a pint of water, should be applied 
to the eyes half an hour at a sitting, one to three times a day ; it 
cures all acute or chronic sore eyes. The same strength snuffed 
up nostrils three times a day cures nasal catarrh, if persisted in 
for several weeks, six to ten. 



The following article is a contribution of Dr. J. W. Dill, 
Oph.D., of Franklin, Indiana. It fully and concisely explains the 
method used by the McCormick students, and needs no comments 
from me. If this method is adopted and followed, it suffices to 
find what the physician needs to know as to the nerve waste of 
the eyes and how to correct it. We commend it as it is. Simply; 
follow the instructions as given and it will suffice. 

The Author. 



The following article presupposes the student or practitioner 
to be already familiar with the general principles of refraction, 
and to know the terms used in works on refraction. He should 
know the power of the various lenses and the function of each; 
how to neutralize their power, and the scale of transposition of 
lenses, before he undertakes to correct or measure errors of 
refraction. 

To follow the directions in the few following pages in every 
detail, the practitioner will be fully repaid for his attentive 
endeavor. 

The human eye consumes 10 per cent, of all of the nerve 
power generated in the brain, i. e., the eyes are entitled to that 
much by nature's assignment; but it frequently gets the upper 
hand of the rest of the nervous system, and uses up as much as 
75 per cent, of all that is generated in its effort to overcome its f 
own defect, in the form of refractive errors (strain). 



184 the science otf neuro-ophthalmology. 

Practical Application of the Trial Case; 
Or, The Technique of Finding the Errors of Refraction. 

The practical application of any art or science is the direct 
outgrowth of analysis, of careful, painstaking experiments, and 
the proving of every step taken. The " fogging system " of meas- 
uring the errors of refraction is one of the products of the analyt- 
ical brain of Dr. Charles McCormick, of Chicago. May the world 
praise him for that, if nothing more. Every science involves a 
principle. He who would succeed in working the fogging system 
of Neuro-Ophthalmology must comprehend the principles upon 
which it rests. The intelligent use of the trial case involves a 
knowledge of the laws of optics, as well as an understanding of 
the dioptric system of the human eye. 

In dealing with an organ so delicate, and at the same time 
so essential to human happiness, intelligence, and general com- 
fort, as is the human eye, the practitioner, whether he be oculist, 
optician or Ophthalmologist, should be accurately informed in not 
only the anatomy, physiology and pathology of that important 
organ, but he should possess a broad knowledge of the laws of 
refraction. 

The purpose of this article is not to deal with these, but to 
give the modus operandi in the use of the trial case in a way that 
shall characterize it for its simplicity, speed, and accuracy in find- 
ing the true condition or defects of the eye, and correcting them. 

All systems have rules for guidance; hence we outline 
working rules: 

Rule I. — View the patient objectively. In this we note his 
, appearance. View the eyes for anything that could menace vision, 
such as opacities of the cornea and irregularity of pupil. 

Rule 2. — Gather the history of complaints, especially those of 
the eyes, of vision or lack of vision, of headaches, indigestion, and 
numerous other complaints. 

Rule 3. — When there is poor vision, view the interior of the 
eye with the Ophthalmoscope. Look for disease of the retina and 



THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHALMOLOGY. H85 

its vessels, the choroid and opacity of the crystalline lens. Note, 
also, the circulation of the blood. 

Rule 4. — Find the acuity of vision of each eye separately by 
covering one eye, and call attention to the letters on a standard 
graduated test card, located fifteen or twenty feet distant, exactly 
in front of him, shown in a good light. Note the number of the 
smallest letters he is able to call readily, and record it in the form 
of a fraction, by using the distance in feet at which he is seated 
from the card for the numerator, and the number of type he reads 
for the denominator. We say vision is normal when he reads the 
number 20 type line at a distance of twenty feet, but no better, 
and we express it thus : f$ ; but should he read only the number 30 
line, we record -§#. To use the metric system it would be recorded 
£ to equal %%, or normal vision, and f to equal }#, which is § vision. 

Should the patient be able to read the larger letters only, apply 
the same rule for making the record ; while if he reads better than 
fj (or -f) normal line, we express it f$ or {%. 

In extremely bad vision, locate the patient nearer the chart, 
and make the record accordingly. 

Having found vision %% in each eye examined separately, we 
know our patient is not a myope, and we would not prescribe 
minus lenses. Minus lenses in such a case would create more 
nerve strain, and therefore would be an injury to him. Vision as 
good as f$ or \% indicates the presence of at least one diopter 
(+1.00 D.) of hyperopia, and that there is not enough astig- 
matism present worth correction. Vision below normal may be 
due to one or more of the following defects or causes, viz.: 
Myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, retinal asthinopia, accommoda- 
tive asthenopia, muscular asthenopia, amblyopia, amaurosis, or 
cataract. 

Rule 5. — Next we come to the dynamics of the ciliary appa- 
ratus, the accommodation: 

Thus early in our examination we apply this test, as it 
informs us about how much resistance we may have to contend 
with when we make the test for the correction. We regard this 
the real physiological nerve-power test, as it tells of the presence 



i86 



THE SCIENCE 0# NEURO-OPHTHALMOI<OGY. 



or absence of nerve energy. Take standard newspaper print, hold 
it as close to the eyes as he can read by utmost effort, measure 
the distance of this near point in inches, and record it in diopters. 
For instance, if his near point is five inches, you would record it 
8 D. (We repeat this test after finding the full correction.) 

In certain cases, especially those ranging from twenty to 
thirty-five years of age, the test made after the correction should 
exhibit as much more power of accommodation than the first one 
as to equal the strength of the correction. The near point is so 
near in those under twenty years of age that it rarely changes; 
while in those over thirty-five years of age it shows more, because 
the near point is already so comparatively removed that changes 
are more easily discernible. 

Rule 6. — Our next test deals with the extra-ocular muscles, 
First adjust the trial frame so that the center of the lens will be 
exactly over the center of the pupil when the frame is on. Now 
cover one eye with a dark opaque disk, and put a red glass in the 
cell behind it. Take the double prism from the trial case and slip 
it in a cell of the frame over the other eye, and adjust it so as to 
make it show a light, twenty feet distant, as two lights, one pre- 
cisely over the other. Next remove the dark opaque disk from 
before the red glass, which should show three lights all in a row, 
the red one precisely midway between the two white ones. This 
showing means normal condition of the muscles, and we call it 
orthophonia. The deviation of the red light to the same side with 
the red glass tells of loss of nerve power or nerve supply. We 
call this condition exophoria, or outward tending, which means 
weakness. 

Take a prism from the trial case and hold it with its apex 
toward the nose, in front of either eye. The number of prism 
required to draw the red light in line with the two white lights 
indicates the amount of exophoria (in degrees). Should the red 
light deviate or cross over to the other side, it means an irritation 
or spasm of the internal recti. This is called esophoria, or inward 
tending. In such cases we may look for trouble in overcoming 
spasm of accommodation, as the nerve supply to both the internal 



the science of neuro-ophthalmology. 187 

recti and ciliary muscles comes from the same nerve center. The 
"fog" (+) scientifically applied will overcome this irritation, or 
spasm, if duly worn for a time (+ lenses). 

Rule 7. — The Correction Test. — In case the acuity of both 
eyes is alike, we may proceed to examine both eyes together; but 
if there is any difference in vision, cover the worst one, and make 
the test on the better eye first ; it being the fixing eye, will stand 
the test more kindly. 

Place in the front cell of the trial frame a plus (+) sphere 
strong enough to " fog " or blur vision to -ffo or -j 1 ^, so those 
letters can be seen but dimly. Now take a minus sphere of weak 
power, say — 0.25, in one hand and the next higher power of 
minus sphere, a — 0.50, in the other hand; first hold the weaker 
one before the strong fogging plus (+) sphere, and ask him to 
try to note the improvement in his vision on the letters as you 
change from weak to stronger minus spheres. Repeat this change, 
going higher, until you bring his vision on the letters to, say, 
within one line of what he saw with the naked eye in your visual 
test. (Refer to Rule No. 4 for record.) Now take note of the 
number of the minus lens which brought him to this vision, and 
subtract that number from the number of the fogging lens, and 
take from the trial case that plus sphere which represents the 
difference between the two lenses, and place it in the rear cell of 
the trial frame, before removing the strong one. This lens now 
in the frame represents approximately the amount of hyperopia 
found. Now search for astigmatism. 

First call the patient's attention to the lines of the astigmatic 
chart, or clock dial face. Should he see one line in the chart 
plainer than the others, this at least indicates a small amount of 
astigmatism ; but the fact that he sees no difference is not con- 
clusive evidence that no astigmatism exists. When two or more 
lines appear plainer than others, we locate the principal meridian 
between them, which is the bad meridian of the eye. Further: 

(a) Now place the slot in the front cell of the trial frame, 
so it will correspond with the plain or blackest lines of the chart. 
Over this hold minus ( — 25, — 50, and so on) spheres, one by 



i88 



THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHAI.MOLOGY. 



one, changing their power until the lines all show up alike. The 
lens which brings this is approximately the power of the cylinder 
to be used. Or: 

(b) You may use another method, viz.: On the meridian 
at right angles to the blackest lines put the slot, and test his acute- 
ness of vision on the letters, beginning with the larger letters and 
calling them aloud, that you may know how well he sees, as far 
down as he can read. We take this as a guide. Here reverse the 
slot, and direct his attention again to the letters, and hold minus 
spheres in front of it until he sees almost as well in that meridian 
as the other, thus indicating the cylinder required. Or : 

(c) Use cylinders without the slot by placing axis over axis 
at right angles to the blackest lines, and increase the power of the 
lens one by one until the lines appear all alike/ If no difference 
in the chart be detected, put the slot on the horizontal or one hun- 
dred and eightieth meridian, and ask him to read or call letters 
on the chart, beginning with the larger ones. Now tip the slot 
about fifteen degrees either way; if this makes vision worse, it 
proves the horizontal or one hundred and eightieth meridian to be 
the principal meridian. Now reverse the slot and endeavor to 
make the vertical or ninetieth meridian as strong as the other by 
the use of minus ( — ) spheres, which will indicate the proper 
cylinder. Should we find the first principal meridian to be an 
oblique one, we reverse the slot one quadrant, or ninety degrees. 
Follow the same rule as before. Or: 

(d) Bad Vision. — When vision is very bad, and especially 
in very nervous patients, it may be necessary, in order to hasten 
the test, to begin with strong cylinders, switching them until we 
find an improved meridian (if we find any), then build up or 
down, as needed. Use plus first in this class of patients, begin- 
ning with four or five diopters. If this does not make a differ- 
ence in the appearance of the chart, add the slot, and if he sees 
but little difference in the various meridians, so that a minus ( — ) 
0.25 or minus ( — ) 0.50 will render the bad meridian as good as 
the other, we would not attempt to correct so small an amount of 
astigmatism. 

Having found a cylinder by any of the foregoing methods, it 



THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHALMOLOGY. 189 

must be proved or rejected. First, reverse the axis, which should 
make the letters look worse and show some lines in the chart 
plainer. If the chart is not affected by this move, and the letters 
are made worse, we have to go by the letters. If it distorts the 
chart, but shows the letters plainer, increase the power of the 
sphere until the reversing of the cylinder affects both the letters 
and the chart. Should the reversal of the cylinder affect neither 
the chart nor the letters, we would not prescribe it. 

Since we found that reversal makes vision worse, we shift 
the axis to where it belongs, and take a ■-}- 0.25 cylinder in one 
hand and a — 0.25 cylinder in the other, and apply them alter- 
nately in front of this combination, with axis on axis, being sure 
to use the plus first, and keep in mind that should he see as acutely 
with the plus as without it, do not offer the minus, for of course 
it would make him see better, but at the expense of his nervous 
system. 

Now should the chart still appear even, we lay away the plus 
cylinders, and compare the minus cylinder with the minus sphere, 
using the minus cylinder first. If in this test the patient chooses 
the sphere, it is an evidence that we do not need to change the 
cylinder. 

When we find that plus spheres permit vision as good as with 
the naked eye, and yet not normal, and having failed to find any 
astigmatism, we then try to reduce the power of the sphere, with 
a view of improving vision, and it should improve to f$ ; but if 
vision is not improved by weakening the lens, we do not weaken it. 

If in our muscle test we found esophoria, which is evidence 
of irritation, or spasm of the third nerve, we may be bothered in 
finding the exact amount of hyperopia in one test, and it may be 
necessary to prescribe temporary lenses of sufficient power to blur 
vision for two, three, or four weeks, which is, many times, supe- 
rior to the use of drugs in the eye, because the spasm will yield, 
and by the use and constant wearing of such lenses irritation 
will be overcome. Have such patient return at proper time, and 
proceed to find the proper correction. 

When we find it, and the correction found does not give per- 
fect vision, continue the test by placing minus spheres in the cell 



190 



THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHALMOLOGY. 



behind it, using the weakest that will give the desired result, the 
safe rule being not to permit a myope to see any better than f # # 
except in cases that have reached the presbyopic stage. In case 
he will not accept plus spheres, and should need minus cylinders, 
offer minus spheres. 

Where vision is very poor, we begin examination with a pin- 
hole disk, which admits only axial rays. Should he be unable to 
see with this, it is evident that the retina is low in sensation, or 
you have not adjusted the disk properly, or the patient is awk- 
ward. Now, as described in the astigmatic test, we put on the 
slot, and if we find an improvement in the vision in one meridian 
and nothing can be seen at any other meridian, and no lens can 
be found to aid him to better vision, there may be opacities of the 
cornea, and if on close inspection we find none, we name it " irreg- 
ular astigmatism," and for this condition we prescribe plain disks, 
making choice between the pinhole or slot. 

We find the visual acuity of each eye separately, and if one 
eye sees better than the other, we put more plus or less minus on 
the better eye, until they see equally well. It may be necessary 
to alternate the change of these lenses until vision has been blurred 
up to f#, and then unfog with minus, working slowly. 

One Bye Worse. — Should one eye prove much worse than the 
other, and have been so for a long time, or always so, and we find 
the cause to be astigmatism, we may look for good improvement 
in restoring that eye. In this case we would fog the good eye for 
a month or more, as this forces the bad eye to work. 

Anisometropia. — In cases of unequal vision, and in those cases 
where it requires an obliquity of cylinder, we forewarn them of the 
discomfort they are likely to experience in wearing such glasses 
for some time. 

Rule 8. — This brings us to re-test the vision or accommoda- 
tion. We make this test with our correction on, which should 
render him an emmetrope, or practically so. 

Rule 9. — Repeat the muscle test. If in our former test eso- 
phoria was found, and it still remains, we know that "tonic" 
spasm of accommodation still exists, and that our correction is 






THE SCIENCE Ot NEURO-OPHTHAI^MOIvOGY. I9I 

not complete. Then if we have cylinders in our correction, unless 
they are strong ones, we leave them out and give stronger spheres 
for temporary wear. Should exophoria remain after correction, 
absolute rest must be enjoined and a special diet prescribed. 

Rule 10. — Now that we have re-tested the accommodation, 
also the muscles, we test those who have reached the presbyopic, 
stage for near work or reading. In fitting lenses for reading or 
near work, we have three ways of disposing of our customer : 
Prescribe bifocals, scales in addition to the distance correction, 
two pairs of glasses, or grab fronts. Bifocals are handy, and of 
less bother to those who can become used to them. To nervous 
persons or invalids I would prescribe two pairs. The next best 
thing would be grab fronts. The great good to be obtained in 
a correction is a full correction and constant wear. "The proof 
of the pudding is in the eating thereof." Eyes may change, but 
glasses never ; they are a fixed quantity. 






PART III 



PALMISTRY. 




It would not comport with fairness to neglect to say some- 
thing about this science, as the hands are expressions of the execu- 
tion of what we think, and "As one thinketh, so is he." That 
thoughts directed to certain things index a corresponding effect 
is generally conceded by men of science. Phrenology has demon- 
strated quite satisfactorily that a plane surface, or even a concave 
surface, on the scalp is changed to a prominence in due time by 
concentrating the mind upon certain thoughts, and thus is proven 
the fac! that growth of an organ is dependent upon the way one 
thinks. This being the case, and as these thoughts change the life 
and character perceptibly in any and all cases, it is positive and 
irrefutable proof of the fact that mind makes the body what it 
is ; the shape it is develops organs and changes the character and 
life of the individual. 

There is as much reason, and as much proof to confirm the 
fact, that the hand expresses the thought and life of the indi- 
vidual, as that thought along certain lines develops the brain and 
molds the character as well; that the hand expresses the same 
things in a marked degree, and that a careful study of the hand 
reveals to the investigator, the student, the whole life of the sub- 
■ ject, if possible, with greater accuracy than the phrenologist does 
the life and character through his science. The shape of the hand 
expresses certain general traits of character, which may be seen 
and definitely proven by any one who will observe them. The kind 
of individual we have to deal with has a hand which expresses his 
character as well as what he has thought of during his whole life, 
(192) 



THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHALMOU>GY. I93 

whether along the commoner and baser things of life, or whether 
along lines of thought which tend to elevation. The shape of the 
hand designates the type to which the possessor belongs, and the 
thoughts and environments have made the hand as certainly as 
moisture, light and warmth produce vegetable growth and support 
vegetable life. 

The will power is expressed in the shape and size of the 
thumb, and the shape of the fingers tell unmistakably the type, 
and disposition, and traits of the individual. The shape of the 
nails show the strength or physical condition of the person, and 
even the color of the nails expresses the kind of action the heart is 
performing in circulating the fluids of the body, and tell whether 
the individual is healthy or diseased, and usually locates the weak- 
ness accurately, so that we perceive there are manifestations of 
thought here as well as elsewhere in the body. To ignore these 
self-evident facts only shows a lack of study of the manifesta- 
tions of the human mind in its expressions in and on the body it 
inhabits, makes and controls, and expresses itself, and marks the 
trend of thought in indelible characters, that time only proves true. 

Now we present this as a conclusion, that there is something 
in palmistry that stands out as stubbornly as fate itself. That 
something has marked in the lines of the hand a few things which 
are evidences, which certainly deserve a careful consideration, and 
show that somebody has scrutinized comparison very accurately; 
for it is stated upon good authority that if the " line of life ceases 
abruptly, with a deep black spot on it, or if the line of heart begins 
suddenly under the Mount of Saturn (second finger mount) with- 
out any ramifications, or if the line of heart is joined to the line 
of head in both hands under the Mounts of Jupiter or Saturn, or 
there is one short traced line in each phalanx of each finger, are 
signs of warning of sudden death in the subject, and have been 
verified in many instances ; does it not prove that nature records 
the facts in unmistakable lines? 

Then if in kidney disease we have the long, narrow, small, 
somewhat curved nail, and in advanced stages of phthisis we have 
the curved nail, and the ribbed nail in nervous affections, do not 
all these mean something? 
(14) 




194 the; science; of neuro-ophthai<moi,ogy. 

the; finge;rs have; a spexial signification. 

The shape of the finger tips and the length of the joints all 
have a special signification; so do the knotty joints, whether the 
first or second joint be knotty, whether one or both be knotty, 
or whether smooth and pointed, long and spatulate, or whether 
square at their ends, whether small or thick, whether flat or round, 
long or short, whether some are long or short, or some are extra 
long, short, or out of normal proportion, and even the normal pro- 
portion means something. The softness or hardness of the hand, 
each has a special signification, and are to be considered as modi- 
fiers of the character of the individual ; and then the various and 
sundry lines and characters on the palm mean much, and signify 
what the individual is, his life and destiny, as regards his physical 
career, are all centered and expressed in the hand, and really, to 
the informed palmist, mean more and express much that no other 
science reveals, and should be duly considered. 

If a knowledge of the human system in special organs means 
so much, what may not be said about the eyes, which show, even 
in the iris, all the diseases one has, pictured in unmistakable colors 
and shades the pathological condition of each and every organ in 
the body, in every department of this house in which we live, why 
need we be so skeptical as to the consequences of what these sci- 
ences have revealed to the student of long and hard study for 
years? It becomes apropos, "Prove all things, believe all things, 
with that charity that beareth all things and is kind." Sincerely 
consider that all knowledge is not confined in one individual, but 
that "there are things, Horatio, that man has not dreamed of." 

To say that mind plays no part in the human economy, his 
character, health and happiness, would be questioning Divine 
authority, for He has said: "They that are after the flesh do 
mind the things of the flesh." Now, if the reader is after the 
flesh, and the mind of the individual is written in the flesh, do 
you mind the things written? The individual indexes character 
and condition all the time, and the mind, either consciously or 
unconsciously, makes manifest itself in the signs indicated, and 



THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHALMOU)GY. I95 

he who studies the expressions of mentality has the key to the 
meanings of the soul in whose body the manifestations are seen. 

We measure nerve power as regards quantity used in exer- 
cise in certain avocations of life, telling the exact ratio of strain 
and waste going on during wakeful hours, and can ascertain 
the amount of irritation from dynamic manifestations, and have 
learned how to remedy the difficulty, take off the strain, and stop 
the pressure, so that the two great forces may express themselves 
and harmony be restored to the afflicted body. It has taken long 
and arduous labor to acquire a knowledge of how to do these 
things, but many minds have been consulted, and we have not 
sought instruction in vain, nor ignored any great fact we deemed 
worthy the consideration of the reader of this book. 

We have nothing special to present that has not been proven, 
and what there is here presented may be amply verified by inves- 
tigation on the part of the reader. Phrenology, palmistry, mag- 
netism, and suggestive influences are all within the purview of 
every one who cares to investigate, and all have merit in them- 
selves. We have tested all of them, and are more or less familiar 
with them all, as well as Osteopathy, and all that pertains to the 
healing art; but we have written this book for the purpose of 
teaching the reader how to abolish human ills by a rational, easily 
demonstrable method, that will do the work most effectually, and 
more easily and satisfactorily than any method known to us. 

The one who studies this book and learns what it teaches 
may be able to relieve a larger per cent, of human suffering than 
by any other method known. It is within the comprehension of 
almost all classes of intelligent readers, and may be used to the 
advantage of patient and operator, with the assurance of doing 
good in every instance, and in many absolutely relieving them 
permanently. The other sciences cited are mentioned to show the 
scope of human resources, but not for the purpose of application 
as a means of treatment of disease. That many conditions may 
be ameliorated through all these sciences, we are in a position to 
know can be done, and are essential to know, when we take in all 
there is in a man relative to his physical and mental status. 



SPHINCTER MUSCLES. 



Sphincter muscles are those encircling a tube or an orifice. 
They act in such a way as to constrict, close or lessen the caliber 
or lumen of a tube or cavity, and their function is suited to each 
particular vessel in which they are placed, accomplishing their 
several functions according to the several necessities involved. 
They are involved in closing the outlets of the body, as a rule, 
or to narrow or widen internal structures. They are found in 
the eyes, the eustachian tubes, in the throat, at both ends of the 
stomach, at the celiac orifice, at the pylorus, at the sigmoid flexure, 
at the anus, os uteri, urethra and bladder, and manifest in the 
peristalsis of the intestinal canal. 

These muscles are wholly under the influence of what the 
physiologist denominates nerves. Wherever any action takes place 
in the body, it is the result of nerve influence ending in the part, 
whether that be in the deep structure of the muscle, at its surface 
or at its ending. Irritation of the nerves ending in a sphincter, 
or any other muscle, is a cause of action. If on the irritation of 
nerves ending in sphincter muscles, contraction of them takes 
place, for muscular structure has but one function, that of con- 
traction, the lumen of the vessel or orifice is lessened thereby. If 
irritation takes place in the nerves ending in the ciliary muscles, 
contraction of the pupil takes place ; and if the contraction con- 
tinues, a condition we denominate pressure occurs, and we have a 
condition commonly understood by Ophthalmologists called strain, 
or nerve waste. The constant effort to contract the musculus iridis 
causes exhaustion of nerve power in time, and results in any func- 
tional disorder known as disease. If the nerves ending in the 
uterus are long irritated, there will be as a result interference of 
the function of that organ. If irritation of the nervous system 
ending in the sphincter muscles of the rectum and anus takes 

(196) 



THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHALMOLOGY. I97 

place, over a normal state, rectal diseases are the result — piles, 
constipation, and many abnormal conditions are the result. An 
unnatural pressure upon nerves ending anywhere in the body pro- 
duces abnormal conditions, and if unduly continued, disease or 
functional disturbance results. 

The discovery that nerve irritation on terminal nerve fibers 
cause disease, I believe that Professor E. H. Pratt, the Orificial 
Surgeon of Chicago, Illinois, is entitled to the honor of the dis- 
covery. But we are of opinion that his use of that discovery 
was in many instances illy directed, and fraught with much harm, 
especially the removal of end filaments themselves, in preference 
to removing the pressure elsewhere, which caused the irritation, 
and the evils following. The intense desire for glory knows no 
bounds, as a rule, and the knife, sword, and leaden ball often 
become the instruments through which it is attempted to be 
attained. In this case many a victim has been prematurely 
ushered into the unknown future under the knife and the anes- 
thetic, whose life might have been spared for many years had the 
means of removing the pressure been known and used. The gory 
hands, in human blood, have marked the epochs of the centuries, 
and animal and human victims have been sacrificed to gratify the 
ambitions of seekers for fame, though honest incentives may have 
prompted the sacrifice. 

We live at a time when such gory sights are no longer neces- 
sary, for the discovery of causes of human ills being found in the 
nervous system, and the means of removal of the causes being 
also discovered, relief may be afforded with as much certainty 
as that day follows night, when the rational, correct means are 
intelligently applied. 

The spinal curvatures seen everywhere are direct results of 
nervous irritation, resulting in contraction of muscular fibers, and 
a gradual curve a consequence. To relieve that condition, "take 
off the pressure" is all that is needed. To relieve the victim of 
amenorrhea or dysmenorrhea, we simply remove the pressure from 
the nervous system ending in the organs involved. The same law 
holds good for any other functional disorder known to humanity, 
or to the doctors. 



I98 THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHAI<MOU>GY. 

The terminal nerve filaments in some organs set up a con- 
dition therein which, through what is termed "reflex action," is 
manifest elsewhere in the body ; instance, St. Vitus dance, chorea, 
asthma, and other nervous affections. The sphincters of the rec- 
tum are a source of much trouble in many instances. A tightened 
contraction of the muscles pertaining to that part of the body pro- 
duce the results manifest in the above named disorders, and in 
many other conditions, such as capillary congestion, cold feet, 
spasmodic respirations, holding the breath of children, hysteria of 
females (and males, for that matter, for some males have that 
condition). An instrument known as "Pratt's Bivalve," properly 
used, is an almost certain restorer of spasmodic conditions of the 
nervous system, capillary congestion and hysteria, asthma and 
many similar affections, and it acts favorably at once, when 
properly used when indicated. 

HOW TO USE THE BIVALVE. 

The physician should provide himself with at least three sizes 
of the bivalves, for the various sizes are necessary to meet the 
demands of the various sized patients. One for adults, one for 
youths, and one for children will always be necessary to meet the 
various clientelle one is likely to need to use. 

To use it properly, let the instrument be well oiled, then 
gently introduced into the rectum, pointing in a direct line to the 
umbilicus, pressing the instrument squarely and firmly until it has 
entered the rectum well inside of the internal sphincter muscle, 
being particular to have the handle pointing directly backward 
from the patient, so as not to bruise the prostate gland in males ; 
lying on the left side, if possible, for that is the most convenient 
position; and now make a few turns of the screw which controls 
the valves, so as to open it about a quarter to half an inch, letting 
it remain in that condition, surely spread that much, for if that is 
not observed, pinching of the mucous membrane of the rectum 
may ensue, as the instrument is now opened and closed ; but if the 
jaws can only approach to the set-screw point, there will be no 
danger of any pinching to mucous membrane. With all these pre- 



THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHALMOLOGY. I99 

liminaries, the divulsion should be done as follows : Take hold of 
the handles of the bivalve firmly with the right hand and squeeze 
them gently, being careful that too much stretching is not made at 
once, but make a squeeze that will be somewhat painful to patient, 
say half an inch, then let go, letting the valves of the instrument 
fly back to the set-screw ; then do as before, increasing the stretch- 
ing a little farther, and thus divulsing rectum at each sitting until 
a full capacity of the divulsion is reached. (Leave the set-screw 
as used in divulsion, so as not to pinch membrane while removing.) 
This should be done daily for some conditions, where a chronic 
state has to be overcome. Some conditions respond at one sitting 
with remarkable suddenness ; for instance, hysteria, capillary con- 
gestion, and hard or laborious breathing. This means is indi- 
cated whenever there is an unnatural tightness of the sphincter 
muscles. The divulsion overcomes the rigidity, and the circula- 
tion is re-established, and the pent-up nervous system is absolutely 
relieved from pressure, and we have the results desired. 

We have had most astonishing and happy effects from this 
means, and would not be doing justice to the sufferer to with- 
hold this salutary process from a prominent place in this book. 
These measures will be hailed with gladness by all who use Aem 
judiciously and wherever indicated. This, with the colonic irriga- 
tion, will ever be a desideratum worthy our highest appreciation. 
Let the reader study this subject with the interest it demands 
and use it wherever and whenever indicated, and it will bless the 
user and the one on whom used. Its marvelous results are inde- 
scribable ; but it should not be all the quiver in one's armamenta- 
rium. Be consistent, reasonable, and use what is needed, regard- 
less of being called a "mongrel" in practice. Your object should 
be to relieve suffering mortals, and your means may not always 
be found in one line of treatment. This divulsion, remember, is 
indicated in many conditions, and deserves a rational consider- 
ation and a judicious application, and only good ever need be 
expected from its use. 

Note. — If a necessity occurs where divulsion is needed, and 
no bivalve is at hand, one may use the forefinger, well oiled, and 
introduced into rectum, and then draw the sphincter strongly 



200 THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHAI,MOU)GY. 

backward toward the coccyx, letting the finger be to one side of 
that point. This improviso may obviate much delay and much 
suffering. If necessary, use this measure. 

FURTHER BENEFITS OF THE USE OF THE BIVALVE. 

It comes in excellent service in asthmatic breathing; in fact, 
it cures many cases simply by divulsing the sphincter muscles of 
the rectum pretty thoroughly every day, giving a slight divulsion 
at first, then in a moment or two a little stronger one, and so on 
till the constrictions of the sphincters are somewhat relaxed at 
each sitting. The results are simply astonishing. 

In case of hysteria, divulsing the sphincter ani is the most 
certain of any remedy known. It flushes the capillary system at 
once, and relief is almost instantaneous. It should always be used 
with care and judgment, gently, firmly, and with due regard to 
conditions. It is not necessary to tear the sphincters nor to cause 
unnecessary pain, and the use of this instrument will not, in the 
hands of. those who have common sense and due regard for the 
feelings of his patient. 

In flux, even a bloody flux, the use of the bivalve, stretching 
the sphincters pretty freely, followed up by enemas of as hot 
water as can be borne afterward, flushing the bowels two or three 
times, following this with rest in a recumbent posture for some 
time, will be the best remedy for flux known. Repeated flushings 
of very warm water should be made, say every four to six hours, 
until patient is well ; and the treatment in the lumbar area should 
be made if indicated, and will be beneficial anyway, for it unites 
the forces and tends to harmony every way. 

The above instructions are worth everything to the afflicted, 
for they are effectual. 




ARE DISEASE! IN ANY WAY RELATED TO 

TEMPERAMENT ? 



To forever put to rest such a conclusion, we present a few 
unanswerable, unimpeachable facts. Opinions never formed any 
part of a science, because a science is something that has tangible 
order about it, and one to be a scientist must have the knowledge 
of a thing reduced to order. 

Temperament, per se, is not the product of facultative influ- 
ence, for thought has nothing whatever to do in producing tem- 
perament. And temperament has never any relationship to dis- 
ease, for if God made the temperament, and particular kinds of 
temperament conduce to disease, be it one kind or another, then 
God is the author of disease, and hence the author of death, when 
he positively says : " He willeth not the death of any man." Now, 
if temperament has to do with disease, causes the one with par- 
ticular temperament to have disease of a particular character, 
and that cuts the man down, produces death, and God made the 
temperament, does there not seem to be contradiction? 

When it is understood that diseases are products, not of tem- 
perament, for temperament is only natural, and the same sort of 
disease may be found in one temperament as in another, we will 
endeavor to show that disease is a result of nerve influence, nerve 
waste or disturbance, and that the whole problem resolves itself 
into an axiomatic proposition, that in the creation of man the 
Lord made him a bundle of fibers called nerves, and it made no 
difference as to his temperament, or combination of temperaments, 
and that these nerves are the media through which thoughts go 
to each and every and all parts of the body; and it is absolutely 
demonstrated that whenever these filaments or nerves (regardless 
of temperament) are interfered with, impinged, exhausted by 

(201) 



202 THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHALMOIvOGY. 

excessive use, or in any way interfered with, so as to lessen their 
component elements — lessen their function— disease of some kind 
invariably follows, and that when the equilibrium was established, 
the due amount of element re-supplied, that nature, true to herself, 
recognized the harmony, and order was re-established. 

That this body is a cosmos, we repeat, and that it contains 
all of its elements in embryo, is evident ; but that temperament is 
wholly dependent upon environments as an after consideration is 
also evident, and is in no way whatever a cause of disease, nor 
in any way related thereto, all the hypothecations of all so-called 
scientists to the contrary notwithstanding. Such hair-brained and 
mental imbeciles have always endeavored to foist their wares upon 
the people, and the sooner their flimsiness is discovered, the better 
for the world. Why not let facts be the governing principles and 
dismiss all unprovable theories? 

That faculties are capable of development, those acquainted 
with me understand. I have no axe to grind, nor anything but 
great big demonstrable facts to publish. It would be better for 
the gerieral reader to be only familiar with facts. The world is 
flooded with fiction, fools, and fiction followers everywhere. Let 
reason, common sense and proven science be the rule and guide of 
all. The day is not far distant when the masses will see the dif- 
ference between the doubtful and proven problems, and what they 
are truly interested in, the demonstrable facts, truths which alone 
can stand the test of time. Our two-fold proposition, Neur- 
ophthalmology, will bear the closest investigation and the hardest 
crucible of test that can be imposed upon it. 



i 



PHRENOLOGY. 



It is not the design of the writer to give an exhaustive dis- 
quisition on this subject, nor to enter into a full expose of any one 
of the forty-two human faculties in minutia nor in extensio, but 
to call attention to the subject in a brief outline of its great impor- 
tance to the human family as a basis of knowledge of mankind 
in general. 

That each individual is a cosmos, we simply have to assert 
to make it apparent that the reader believes; but the special 
attention, perhaps, of the general public has not been as urgently 
attracted thereto as their personal and general interest demanded 
is apparent. 

Starting, as we do, with the idea that all thought is conveyed 
through nerve filaments from their origin in the calvarium to their 
ultimate terminals, we predicate results to influences started in 
faculties. These faculties, through nerve filaments, control abso- 
lutely the parts or organs to which they go and enter into. There 
is where their functions are manifest ; that is where every known 
action in a part is performed. It is the direct result of mind mani- 
fest through the nerve filaments ending therein. No filaments, 
there is no communication, no manifestation, in fact, no nothing ; 
for every visible thing seen or felt in the body is a product, and 
that product is produced by order through these nerve filaments 
entering in the part. 

Every kind of temperament is a result of action of certain 
faculties, as we term them, but really the product of thought, 
manifest through one or more faculties. We call these temper- 
aments vital, mental, motive. Each and every one of them is a 
product of thought. Whether we have a combination of two or 
more in one body, the same rule or law applies, and all we need 
to know as regards the temperament of any individual, even in 
the dark or blindfolded, is to. know the size, relatively, of that part 

(203) 



204 THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHAI,MOI,OGY. 

of the brain which is most developed, to know the temperament or 
the combination of the several temperaments one is made up of. 
This mental influence through mind, passing through the nerve 
filaments from faculty centers, culminates in physical develop- 
ment everywhere in the body, showing with unerring certainty the 
control mind has over this body of ours. 

It is said that "a chain is as strong as (and no stronger than) 
the weakest link in it." The human faculties being products of 
thought, it must follow, " As one thinketh, so is he." That prop- 
osition needs no further elucidation, for all the world of mind is 
agreed on it. Our every expression, whether that be in act or look, 
or physiognomonic delineation, or a culmination in an act, verifies 
this assertion in all the ages, in all time and places. Whether we 
acknowledge the fact or deny it, it stands as always, irrevocably 
the same. Our very form and expression are the products of 
thought, and our lives are what we have made them by thought. 
These thoughts have developed our faculties, and the intensity in 
given ^directions has molded us into what we are ; our nature is 
to do the things which we are the strongest inclined to do, and 
the inclination is always in the direction of our strongest faculties 
involved in the premises, and in the ratio of the least opposition. 

A tree, and anything else that grows, grows round because it 
is forced to do so. Pressure compels it to grow round — pressure 
from all sides compel rotundity — not that it is the nature of the 
tree to be round, but because an equal amount of atmospheric 
pressure has been made on all sides of the tender bud and com- 
pelled it to grow that way, filling the mold in which it was made 
by force from without. The child or adult is developed by the 
suggestions made in its hearing, directed to it in such a way as to 
compel attention ; that attention riveted the thought ; that thought 
intensified interest in the faculty in the brain whose business it 
was to superintend the execution of the thought, and produced an 
increase of the flow of blood to that faculty or organ, and a deposit 
of elements which increased the size and capacity of the organ 
and placed it in the lead, provided the thought was continued long 
enough or repeated often enough, and hence developed the organ. 



THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHAI,MOU)GY. 205 

That is the way all development of the entire body takes place. 
This is the key to growth. The blood is a product, the product of 
the food eaten, and it goes everywhere by direction of thought. 
It is made by selection, and selection is a thought action. So we 
are controlled absolutely by thought, and these thoughts traverse 
nerve filaments, and oversee it all. 

To enter into this science and elucidate it as it deserves many 
hundred pages might be filled, but it is not our purpose to elab- 
orate the science ; we shall not attempt it. The well rounded out 
physician should know everything possible about man, the being 
he claims to study; to be able to comprehend as fully as pos- 
sible the various physiological, and pathological, and psychological 
make-up of the cosmos he aims to adjust and harmonize when he 
is found to be unbalanced, diseased, out of harmony. And how 
shall he know what is the condition without, studying the various 
elements of which he is composed? 

Anatomy is the first and all-important thing to know, then 
physiology, then psychology, then pathology, and then the how to 
feed that wonderful creature called man — how he should breathe, 
eat, sleep, exercise, think and act — as an integral of the wonder- 
ful expression of created power. Knowing man as he is, physi- 
cally, morally and intellectually — and he can be known in all 
these directions — we should know how to direct him so as to 
keep him balanced and in harmony with himself, that he may pass 
his days in peace and harmony with his environments and serve 
the purpose for which he was created, "Serve God acceptably, 
with reverence and godly fear." 

The "Good Book" says that "Sin is the transgression of 
law," and "A man sins when he is drawn away by his own lust 
and enticed" ; therefore, to keep him in relationship with the 
Almighty, we should make right suggestions to him ; train him 
as he should be trained, so that all his environments may be 
conducive to his every well-being, and then he will not become 
enticed, for the strong faculties which control him will be in the 
lead, and there will be a power of resistance invulnerable when 
tempted; and if we continue to present proper thoughts to him 



206 THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHAI,MOI<OGY. 

and cultivate right motives for action, there will be universal har- 
mony in that life while it lasts. To amplify the thought would 
take me into the great realm of mind, beyond the limits of my 
book, so I leave it for those who are interested to amplify. The 
theme is one which embraces all the problems of life. All truth 
centers in the interest of humanity, and it is the only thing we 
need in all the realms of nature, for God and nature, his creation, 
embody all that is true, useful. 

Under the old regime there was supposed to be temperaments 
which controlled the body, such as bilious, sanguine, nervous, 
phlegmatic, but we relegate them to the past, for as unfoldment 
of the science has been made, it is a demonstrated fact that facul- 
ties make the temperament, and not temperament the faculties. 
Everything in man, beginning in the calvarium, manifests in body. 
Temperaments are products, not producers. 

The temperaments are three only : mental, motive, vital. The 
vital is a product of certain faculties, and the shape of the head 
is characteristic ; the size of the bones, texture of muscles and 
their shape, prominence of the baser faculties, width of base of 
brain, etc. 

The mental temperament differs from the vital as much as the 
meaning of the words differ. The top head assumes a different 
shape ; the face differs in shape, and the whole make-up is char- 
acteristic; the forehead is higher, broader, and all that part in 
front of the ears is proportionately larger. 

The motive temperament differs from both the others, and the 
shape of the bones of the head, face, body, as well as the muscular 
system, size as well as flatness and length of the bones, charac- 
terize the motive individual, and all these have for their especial 
features certain faculties developed in the brain, and these shape 
the head in the ratio of the intensity of the temperaments manifest. 

The manner of living produces the bilious, sanguine, nervous 
and phlegmatic conditions we were wont to believe were char- 
acteristic of facultative products, but modern developments have 
shown that the classification of the mental, vital and motive are 
the principal ones. It is true that all these may be blended in one 



the; science of neuroophthalmology. 207 

person, and may be equal, or one or more may be in excess. We 
commend the "Vaught" system of phrenology to all interested. 
I have only hinted at the science to index its importance in all 
human advancement. The more and better it is known, the better 
for the human race in all relationships of life, in all departments, 
as it is the science par excellence, fundamentally. 



THE DIFFICULTY WITH THE MASSES AS 
REGARDS CONFIDENCE. 



The diversity of human character has its origin in two states, 
prenatal and postnatal. Prenatal is denominated hereditary, and 
postnatal acquired. The term ." hereditary" to me is a misnomer 
so far as parental inheritance is concerned, for inasmuch as the 
mind is made up — that is, the faculties are formed — by the 
thoughts of the mother, but these are the results of environments, 
which are external, outside, nevertheless through suggestions from 
the outside world the influence is carried to the embryo in utero- 
gestation, and whatever fund of thought permeates the physical 
organization of the parent, maternally, directly is carried through 
the circulation into the foetus, and becomes a part of the new 
(being) formation, and thus, even at the very introduction of the 
infant into the world, we see the variation in the size of the facul- 
ties of the child ; and then comes the environments, the training, 
the new relationship of the new-born, and the particular sugges- 
tions, and the manner in which they are made, we find the bent of 
the mind directs the character and life of the individual. That 
the suggestions are varied and diversified beyond computation, any 
one at all conversant with facts as they present themselves in the 
checkered scenes and experiences of mortality knows something 
about, for they are legion. 

That every one is inclined to go in the direction of the strong- 
est incentives, the strongest desires, and where there is the least 
resistance, is conceded. Accepting this conclusion as an axiomatic 
standard, we deduce therefrom some principles which deserve our 
special consideration. Assuming that God has created the "germ" 
primarily (and countless millions which never come to our per- 
ception), and through a process known as conception, it is placed 
in a soil to be developed, we assume that from that moment the 
(208) 



THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHALMOLOGY. 200, 

influence begins which culminates into the future human being, 
and that whatever the influence brought to bear in the maternal 
thought, due of course to suggestions from without, and the influ- 
ence of the will and controlling faculties of the mother, so will be 
the child at birth ; whether a well rounded out cranium with a due 
balance of contour, indicating a balanced brain, hence a normal 
development of all the faculties, or perceptible prominences in cer- 
tain localities, indicating increased size in some and non-developed 
faculties in other regions of the cranium, there they are, and some- 
thing has caused this difference, judging from the character of 
various persons with all these differences of contour of the cra- 
nium, which any one can verify by examination and comparison, 
for it is certainly a fact. 

That we have special characteristics manifest in every indi- 
vidual, observation proves to the most skeptical, and why not be 
able to account for it? That there is a difference in the develop- 
ment and size and shape of the human skull, and each has a 
different character, manners and inclination, all know to be an 
undeniable fact. There must be a cause for all this variety. 
What is it? 

It is the history of the ages that every individual desires 
every other one to be conformable to their particular standard, 
and hence inclined to throw around the other fellow such influ- 
ences as shall induce him or her to accept their suggestions and 
to conform thereto, believing that such suggestions have a power 
in them of molding the character or habits of the other fellow into 
a course which will be harmonious, for inharmony seems to be the 
bane of the human race, and every one is using all the influence 
possible to harmonize all other people, but especially in his or her 
special way. Where did this condition originate? We answer, 
in the development of certain faculties, perhaps in embryo, and 
postnatal suggestions developed the faculties which longed to be 
gratified, and hence the diversity of human character. Whilst 
this is a result of ignorance on the part of those who had to do 
with the environments of the individual, nevertheless the results 
are undeniable. The remedy is in knowledge of the power of 
suggestion and the how to develop the human faculties. 
(15) 



210 THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHAI^MOLOGY. 

Every fully developed human faculty, with its leaders, shows 
forth in the life of the individual certain traits of character as 
certainly as that man exists. Ages upon ages have gone into the 
eternal past, and the revolving years continue, and mankind con- 
tinues to repeat the sad history which involves nations in strife, 
war and carnage, and all because the power and influence of the 
faculties are not understood. History repeats itself simply from 
the fact that humanity is molded in the same mold, adheres to the 
same environments, subject to the same influences, and, per conse- 
quence, the same class of people are developed all along the ages. 
These particular influences conduce to produce all the antago- 
nism, strife, disease, debauchery, sin and misery that we witness 
in every-day life, and will continue as long as we continue the 
same sort of seed-sowing. 

That humanity should be thus environed seems the strangest 
thing in nature. That we should continue to repeat the same 
things over and over, when a moment's reflection shows that "as 
we sow we reap," why not sow different — different seed — know- 
ing that the soil is all prepared ready to receive and grow the seed 
sown, and develop a different character from what is manifest, 
and has been for ages, all due to cultivating certain faculties which 
rule in the wrong direction ? The world has been trying to abolish 
sin for ages, and yet has never considered why sin is so hard to 
remove. Change the suggestions and thereby change the incli- 
nation to gratify certain faculties, and the results will be accord- 
ingly. Change the suggestions and you will cause wars to cease. 
Change the suggestions and vice and immorality will be disgust- 
ing. Change the desires and you will develop the faculties which 
lead to morality, humility, generosity, toleration. If " as we think, 
we are," why not think right? Then we will be right, for think- 
ing right develops all the faculties needed to make one act right. 
No one can go in opposite directions at the same time. " Make 
the tree good and the fruit will be good" is a maxim worthy of 
the profoundest consideration. 

That individuals are loath to accept anything not in accord 
with former teaching is apropos in this science. The people for 
ages have been educated along the lines of medical dosing being a 



THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHAIvMOLOGY. 211 

necessity to cure disease, and are molded in that thought, so that 
it is hard to convince them that the old way is faulty, and that 
something else should be investigated, tried, compared, adopted. 
That disease should be aborted by any other method than has been 
in existence for centuries, notwithstanding all of its signal fail- 
ures, can not be true. That nature has placed within every indi- 
vidual all the elements essential to his well-being and happiness 
has not been considered by the masses, and that a disease is a 
result of unbalance within one's own self, and not generally due 
to something outside of the body, such as malaria, bacteriological 
microbes, is so different from the present-day theories that it 
seems as strange as fiction and as wonderful as truth itself! 

Confidence along the old lines is simply habit, and not due to 
investigation. Whenever the masses turn their attention to them- 
selves, and think how much they have suffered, how long they 
have tried medicine without relief, they will begin to realize that 
it is worth while to consider whether their condition is likely to 
be bettered by continuance in the old way. That medicines are 
foreign substances, no one with an idea will question. That medi- 
cines are indicated in any case is hypothetical, to say the least of 
it, and hence questionable, whether it ought to be taken into the 
human system at all. 

That the most astonishing results take place within the body 
as a consequence of adjustment through this method called Neu- 
ropathy, no one who ever witnessed its effects will contradict ; and 
that it is applicable to the most serious and the most malignant 
conditions is a matter easily demonstrated. Confidence should be 
had in a system after a successful application of it for six years 
under an adept in the science of healing, and one who has passed 
the curriculum of the best medical colleges in the country, who, 
with long years of experience, ought to be able to compare 
methods and ascertain their distinctive merits. 

It has been a great sacrifice of time and means to bring out a 
science from chaos and set it forth among the needful things of 
the age, and which bears the closest scrutiny possible, and stands 
forth with the brilliancy of light that dazzles human thought with 
both wonder and admiration ! It is truth. Confidence, neverthe- 



212 THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHALMOLOGY. 

less, is slow to yield, but time will afford means which breaks down 
all barriers when Neuropathy will have sway with the people. 
The freedom of thought comes with freedom of the nervous 
system; so does health. This is the science which embraces all 
of the nervous system in treatment. It includes Ophthalmology 
as well, hence Neuro-Ophthalmology is its name. It includes the 
cerebro-spinal nervous system, removing all strain and pressure, 
and therefore embraces every functional condition that affects 
humanity. 



SPECIAL CONDITIONS IN OBSTETRIC TAR- 
DINESS OF LABOR. 



The use of the nervous system will be most admirably adapted 
to lingering cases of labor. We presume that those who use this 
method of treatment will have had some knowledge of the mechan- 
ism of parturition, a knowledge of the anatomy of the female 
pelvis, and what is taught in regard to the various steps of the 
culmination of parturition — child birth. 

Whilst nature unobstructed and conditions favorable, labor 
proceeds without difficulty, it is a fact that, in these times of 
artificial deliveries, forceps and other contrivances, we have some 
very peculiar phenomena in the course of some labors which baffle 
the skill of the most experienced and best accouchers. We present 
a means, a procedure, which if followed will regulate the pains, 
changing the " wandering pains " to normal expulsive pains in the 
right place, so surprisingly that it will astonish both doctor and 
patient, centering the influence of the nervous system in the fundus 
of the uterus, relaxing the os-uteri, and within a few moments 
labor will proceed naturally to a favorable terminus, preventing 
or obviating the prolonged state of useless pain, and righting all 
conditions at once, so that no more trouble need be anticipated, 
changing a protracted case into one of promptness and ease. 
This same treatment will be as effectual in placental expulsion as 
in parturition. 

It should be understood that child-bearing is a natural pro- 
cess, and should be without unnecessary pain, protraction, or 
complication, or danger. Now, having thus premised enough to 
inspire confidence in the mind of the accoucher, we proceed to 
explain in detail the method of procedure, but will first inform 
the reader that the nervous system controls all muscular action, 
and that the nerves regulate the whole process of labor in every 

(213) 



214 ? H E SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHALMOLOGY. 

case, except the artificial removal of foetus. These are absolutely- 
mechanical and artificial, and we have nothing to say or do in such 
cases. There is a leash of nerves ending in what is known as the 
clitoris, situated above the orifice urine, at what is termed the 
forchet, and may be felt at that spot, and it is what produces the 
orgasm in coition, and it assumes a rigid condition when very 
slight friction is used with the finger on it, producing a thrill over 
the whole body more or less pleasurable or painful, depending 
upon condition of female. This is the leash of nerves which 
controls uterine contraction and relaxation. 

To secure natural bearing-down uterine pains during par- 
turition, place the first and second fingers at and on the sides of 
this organ (the clitoris) and press gently, firmly, upon it, with an 
upward pressure, stretching the integument, with clitoris some- 
what tightly, upward, holding the fingers thusly for five to fifteen 
minutes, and you will begin to effect the conditions. Pains will 
begin to center in the uterus, in the fundus, and the mouth of the 
uterus (os) will begin to open (dilate), and a desire on the part 
of the f> atient to incline to press toward her pains ; and advance- 
ment will at once set in, and delivery will be natural, easy and 
speedy. This procedure (pressure) need not be over fifteen min- 
utes, but should the influence seemingly cease, it may be repeated. 
This same thing may be done in case the after-birth is tardy, or 
there should not be pains or contraction in uterus sufficient to 
expel the placenta. 

Postpartum hemorrhage may be at once arrested by the 
sudden jerking of a wisp of the hair on the mons veneris of the 
one flowing, and it will usually cease in a moment or two. This 
is done reflexly, of course, and is another means of demonstrating 
the control of the nervous system over the entire body, righting 
all wrongs when free to act. 

It will be understood that some say more nerves enter into 
and end in the uterus than any other organ in the body. That is 
the organ in which the human being receives nourishment for 
a period of nine months of its embryonic life, and the nervous 
system ending in that organ is especially concerned in fitting it 



THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHALMOLOGY. 21 5 

for the various conditions of that period. It is a marvel of itself ! 
Think of an overruling Providence of such marvelous wisdom to 
adapt such a creature as man to such environments (and the same 
may be said of other creatures) as shall furnish the human being 
with pabulum, bone and muscle, and faculty to come forth at a 
set period, ready to begin life among environments entirely differ- 
ent, and yet be adapted to them, grow, develop, and become a 
mover in the great world of living mortals ! I shall not write 
on this theme, and merely say this to have mankind continue to 
reverence his Creator as the supreme in wisdom, power and love 
above all created intelligences. 

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO CONTROL PROGENY AS TO SEX. 

It is a fact in history that Jacob, of early Jewish history, 
became extremely wealthy by causing his cattle to be ring- 
streaked and speckled by observing certain fixed laws at a special 
time in the life of the cattle, as recorded in the thirtieth and thirty- 
first chapters of Genesis, to which the reader is referred. It will 
be observed that in order to have strong and healthy progeny they 
must come from strong and healthy parentage ; therefore, when 
females are the product of copulation,, it will be observed that 
coition took place soon after the monthly sickness of the female, 
and if commerce be made during the latter part of the inter- 
menstrual period, the result is males are produced. This rule, 
observed absolutely, controls the sex of the progeny. Imme- 
diately after the menstrual functions there seems to be, and is, a 
weakness of nerve power in the organs of the female, and to con- . 
ceive at that time, the sex of the progeny will be of the weaker, 
gentler sex ; and when connection takes place at the latter part 
of the inter-menstrual interim, the organs being strong and the 
nervous system having had time to gain strength, the stronger 
sex is the result of the copulation. Inasmuch as God has made 
both male and female, he has established fixed laws for their gov- 
ernment under all conditions and circumstances, and it is our- 
province to study his laws, and to know and to observe them, that 



2l6 THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHAI,MOI,OGY. 

we fulfill the object of our creation and always profit thereby. 
The union of the sexes was ordained for the special purpose of 
propagating the species, and God has bound man and woman 
together by indissoluble laws we dare not meddle with or change 
without producing chaos and every possible evil as a consequence. 
When man and woman becomes "mated" according to natural 
law, happiness is the consequence ; but when united simply to 
gratify "lust," inharmony is at once inaugurated, and misery 
comes as an avalanche with relentless fury. " It is better to be 
right than to be President," 



AN UNCHANGEABLE SOURCE OF 
INFLUENCES. 



The philosophy of this science will always be the same, and 
the nervous system will always be the same, but the knowledge 
of the functions of the nervous system in extenso may never be 
fully understood, and yet results will continue to be the same, 
with additional surprises almost every time adjustments are made. 
One may have observed certain effects from certain local adjust- 
ments which had not occurred in former ones, and conclude that 
a new discovery has been made which was not embraced in the 
supposed former possibilities of the science ; but that furnishes no 
data for such a conclusion, for there are countless millions of 
mutations in the nervous system, and the possibilities of witness-* 
ing new phenomena are within the probabilities of revealment 
every time an adjustment is made ; hence we are afloat upon a sea 
of unfathomable depth and of unexplored expanse, and as each 
advance is made, new fields open to our view. 

It is a fact that the human faculties are capable of at least 
two billions of mutations at one impulse. Then how impossible to 
compute double its mutations, and treble, and on up to its limit of 
changes! Then how much may we not expect as time rolls its 
amples onward, with its ever-changing spheres, as ages come and 
go! Whilst there are fixed laws governing the sphere of action 
of the nervous system, yet we must take into consideration the 
absolute certainty of the processes of mentality, which permeates 
and controls all action in the human body through the nerve 
filaments! This state of things determines all results we see, or 
know, or experience in the body, and this will always be the case. 

The manipulations termed "adjustments" will be followed by 
results according to the effect produced upon these nerve filaments 

(217) 



218 the; science of* neuro-ophthai<mology. 

at the time, for the conditions will always differ, owing to the 
degree of pressure or impingement present. Whatever, therefore, 
removes the cause of the impingement, be that mental action or 
physical force, lets in the force, the mind, which restores har- 
mony, order. It will be understood once for all that the media 
through which thought travels must be in a normal condition, and 
possessed of normal elements, to have a harmonious state through- 
out the domain of the body, the house in which we live. We may 
not be able to comprehend the exact relation of causes and effects, 
but experience along many supposed lines has demonstrated the 
fact that harmony is essentially a condition devoid of friction in 
every part of the body. That the nervous system is the media 
through which mind traverses every department of our bodies can 
be readily admitted by every one who has made a study of the 
anatomy and the physiology of the human bddy, or at least an 
influence passes through the nervous system which suggests intel- 
ligence to the crudest of the one at all conversant with crude 
anatomy, the superficial observer. The more perfect the media, 
the more intelligent the communication, the thought. 

It makes a difference in the manner of operation and the 
approach to normal in direct proportion to the degree of normal 
constituency of the elements in the media through which the func- 
tion is performed. If, for instance, the sight is always in propor- 
tion to the healthful or the diseased, the normal or the abnormal 
condition of the media through which light passes to the retina, 
as well as the normal or abnormal condition of the retina itself 
(which is the media affected, the nervous system ending therein). 

The genital organs are another instance in point, for over- 
use of the organs is manifest sooner or later in disturbance of 
normal function, and often in the abolishment of function entirely 
These are striking examples of the truth of this philosophy, 
demonstrating beyond dispute that healthful media is essential- 
Normal elementary constituency in the nervous system is main- 
tained only when the normal elements are present in the nerves 
themselves, and that condition is inherent when the proper ele- 
ments are supplied through right living, when there is neither 
strain nor pressure on the nervous system to disturb function. 



THE SCIENCE OF NEUROOPHTHALMOLOGY. 2IO, 

Therefore the execution of the philosophy of this science consists 
in freeing all nerve pressure and stopping all nerve waste, and 
using proper food and returning to normal habits, and doing the 
things which accomplish the object naturally. The deviation from 
a normal standard makes confusion, produces the inharmony. 

All the disease-producing habits, all the excesses in eating, 
drinking, exercise, and the use of such things as produce inhar- 
mony in the body at all times, should be scrupulously avoided by 
those who desire health, happiness, and long life. The control of 
this body is under our own special supervision, and forty-two 
faculties — divisions of nerve centers of nerve power — have been 
given to every one, and the experience of ages, in order that man- 
kind may know how to control this body and keep it in a condition 
of strength and harmony to last a hundred years, if we but exer- 
cise the prerogative of exercising the will power to have it so. 
Strong, deep breathing, thorough expansion of the air cells in the 
lungs, should be attended to as regularly as the breath is used at 
all, for the blood becomes contaminated as it circulates through- 
out the body, gathering up waste material, and losing some of its 
elements air the time, and the necessity of its coming in contact 
with the air, the oxygen, in the lungs is as essential to be main- 
tained each breath as it is at stated intervals of assigned breath- 
ing. Breathe at all times deep down into every air cell if you 
would keep the blood purified, for there is no other element known 
which purifies the blood. 



THE FORCE OF HABIT. 



It will be seen all the way through this course of teaching 
that we use some terms as are commonly related to things which 
have been said by so many without a due regard to the facts as 
they are. For instance, we sometimes say "nerve force; the 
nerves control the various parts of the body," when, in fact, we 
do not mean to convey any such an idea. There is no such a thing 
as "nerve force," nor do the nerves in any sense "control the 
body," for the nerves are simply as much a tissue as the parts in 
which they are distributed ; and we might with the same propriety 
say the tissue controls the nerves. 

The truth of the matter is,. mind controls the body every- 
where, at all times, during the life of the body. It is the power, 
the controller, the nerves being only the media through which the 
mind is conveyed, as electricity is conveyed through the telegraph 
wires. The power is manifest in the parts where the nerves end, 
and there only. All chemical changes take place where nerves end 
anywhere and everywhere throughout the body, and when the 
media, the nerve filaments, are in a normal condition, harmony 
throughout every part of the body maintains. The overuse, or the 
interference of the nerves renders them incapable of transmission 
of the power, the thought, the mind, which superintends every act 
and change possible to imagine in the entire body, the circula- 
tion of all the fluids in all the various channels, glands, bone, skin, 
or any and all other parts, and sees to it that supply is manufac- 
tured into the elements necessary to maintain the proper propor- 
tion of the elements essential to keep up and maintain all the pro- 
portions of each element necessary to keep in harmony with itself, 
as well as every part of itself, duly supplied with the materials of 
which the body is made up, so that no lack or oversupply shall be 
present to disturb the equilibrium of any department. The main- 
(220) 







THE SCIENCE OF NEUROOPHTHALMOLOGY. 22 r 

tenance of this state is certainly one which nature is constantly 
struggling to maintain all the time, but we pervert that design 
at almost every turn we make, and cause confusion, inharmony, 
which we denominate disease. Disease results from violated 
law, sin. 

SPECIAL OUTUNE OP MIND INFLUENCE THROUGH THE NERVOUS 

SYSTEM. 

Whether we shall ever know the full meaning of what is 
called nerve influence or not, we are well satisfied that mind per- 
forms every function performed in the body through the nervous 
system, and are well established in the belief that this is the only 
way a systematic explanation of the phenomena of waste and 
repair can be explained so as to be comprehended. If mind does 
not control this body, then it runs without control, and no one is 
ready to admit that its uniformity of shape, size, weight, and tem- 
perature could remain so uniform, with its forty-two faculties, 
without a mind behind it to govern it. 

That mind controls, superintends and directs every molecule 
in the body may be believed, when a simple movement of any part 
of the body is at once recognized, shows its absolute certainty. It 
is not a machine, governed from (by) some outside force, but 
the force or forces pervade every departmnet, and so arranges 
every molecule in this marvelous structure that when no unnatural 
obstacle interferes, harmony prevails in every department. 

That a perfect method of superintendence prevails is further 
shown in the several departments in the manufacture of the secre- 
tions of the body through the nervous system ending in the various 
glands, for each gland secretes its own kind for a specified pur- 
pose, and that its function is limited to specific localities and for 
special purposes, is known. That the stimulation of certain end 
filaments along the spine results in specific effects is an exempli- 
fication of mental influence, for the results are uniform, and not 
haphazard. Each of the forty-two faculties in the calvarium per- 
form specific functions, and their combinations represent varied 
functions. These functions are manifested according to the 
strength of each faculty involved, and in direct proportion as 



222 THE SCIENCE OF' NEUR0-0PHTHAI,M0I<0GY. 

their strength invariably, and according as the necessity demands, 
hence the expression of mentality through them. An interference 
of the molecules in the media changes results in the expression of 
mind. This shows a necessity of absolute non-interference when 
normality is to be the result. Any one faculty or its channels of 
communication overused depletes functional power. 

THE INFLUENCE OF SUGGESTION. 

Whatever may be thought about the influence suggestion has 
over the affairs of this life, it is evident that through the sugges- 
tions we receive from others we act, and the faculties seem to have 
been so arranged that certain suggestions start an influence that 
culminates in the fulfillment of the thing suggested, and that 
our environments seem to force attention, and we become to a 
degree conformable thereto; and if certain functions are more 
deeply impressed, — that is, the influence, the suggestion, if more 
intense, — we find ourselves yielding and inclining to pay more 
heed to that than perhaps a thousand influences which are of a 
much greater importance to others present. These are every-day 
occurrences, and show that all influences to be attractive to any 
one, the individual interest must be subserved to a great degree, 
and this proves the strength of faculties and their association with 
the things of life ; so that suggestion, to be effectual, there must be 
a degree of receptivity on the part of the suggested, and then a 
natural willingness to accept as true the things suggested. 

When the consent of the party is fully, and the will power is 
completely, relinquished to the suggester, and the mind becomes 
wholly absorbed in the desire to do what is suggested, the rest of 
the faculties, however strong they may be in another direction, 
relinquish their interest, and soon the will power of the one 
becomes the will of the other, and the two act in harmony; and 
so long as this state is kept up the suggester has the other one 
under control. The willingness on the part of one person to yield 
his thoughts to the other one constitutes the whole preparation to 
become hypnotized or swayed by the suggester. Any reservation 
or relinquishment on the part of either party of these conditions 



THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHALMOLOGY. 223 

aborts the results that would otherwise be, when the one becomes 
absolutely negative and the other remains positive. Whatever is 
the desire of the one becomes that of the other, and there is cor- 
responding reciprocity of action. The suggestions then become 
influences which affect the whole person. 

The remarkableness of this condition is the interesting part 
of it. The mind being the controlling influence of the body, when 
it fully takes possession the body loses all consciousness of feel- 
ing, only as suggested by the one to whom the hypnotized has 
yielded consent to be controlled, and he will perform any act in 
the bounds of possibility suggested to him by his control. Dis- 
eases of all kinds seem to be influenced by the suggestions, and if 
repeated often enough so as to become fixed and a part of rlie 
life thought of the individual, the results will be as desired by 
the suggester, so that diseases seem to resolve themselves into a 
mental ideality, which may be eliminated by intense thought in 
the direction indicating such a desideratum. Many diseases have 
been permanently dispelled by this means, and surgical operations 
performed without anesthesia of any other character (proving that 
the will power thoroughly controls feeling when intense enough). 

In treating any condition or disease of the patient, repeat in 
the way of suggestion several times to your patient that they will 
not have that disease any more ; say to them that they will wake 
up from the disease ; they will be well ; that they will not have any 
more pain after they shall have awakened up. The impression to 
make on the mind of your patient is that your promises will surely 
be verified ; they are going to be as free from their ailments as if 
they never had them ; they will be perfectly well. This state of 
mentality is the thing to secure, and can be done by a repetition 
over and over to, and in the presence of, the afflicted, which molds 
the idea in his mind, and the thought does the work ; for remem- 
ber that as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he invariably, but he 
must be sure he thinks the thing you want him to think, and then 
he will be as he thinks. Thus you understand that it is essential 
to have the fullest confidence of your subject. #.. 

The honest and strong mental concentration of the operator * 
should be directed specifically to his work 2 and he should always 



224 T HE SCIENCE Otf NEURO-OPHTHALMOLOGY. 

remember that the mind of his subject is to be exclusively cen- 
tered upon what he says, and there should be no hypocrisy on 
either side. The seriousness which should inhere in this matter 
is too often overlooked, especially in the treatment of diseases, 
for the patient comes to you with an earnest desire to be cured, 
and should not be trifled with, nor the confidence reposed in you 
betrayed on any account. I am seriously in earnest in this instruc- 
tion, and would discourage any maligning or false assertions. 
There is a power in this science which surpasses human compre- 
hension, and can be positively used for good or harm, for you get 
the consent of your subject to submit to what you suggest, and he 
does it, if honest, and if he shams he can soon be detected ; and so 
there should be earnest, honest confiding in each other, and strict 
integrity on the part of subject and operator, and the greatest 
possible good may be expected in the treatment. 

THE HOW IT IS DONE. 

Have the patient seated in a chair, both feet resting on the 
floor, body in as easy a position as possible, with whole body as 
nearly relaxed as possible, and mind off of any strain or thought 
of what is being done, or thinking what is going to be done ; then 
remain quiet, and both eyes either closed or steadily gazing at the 
floor or some object, with the mind fixed on nothing but the thing 
looked at, and with a determination to give his whole thought 
to the business intended ; that is, becoming relaxed as nearly as 
possible, willing his own actions and thoughts conform to every 
suggestion made by the operator, and take all the suggestions as 
if they were actually so, with full assurance that everything said 
will be as stated. This state of mind should be insisted upon 
before the attempt is made to a yielding to the suggestion, and 
then the mind is half converted into the hypnotic stage. Then 
have patient close the eyes tightly, and urged to close them as 
tightly as he can, and keep up the suggestion to close them tighter, 
and that they will be so he can not open them — they will be so 
tightly closed he can not possibly open them — intensifying the 
words, and at the same time accompany the words with a stroking 



THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHALMOLOGY. 225 

of the hands downwards over the eyes, and say, "Now you can 
not open the eyes, you can not, you can not open them ; try, try 
ever so hard, you can not open them " ; and if he does seemingly 
open them, snap the fingers and say, "Now you can." 

If patient was really under your influence, you can test him 
by standing him with his back toward you, having him close his 
eyes, and say to him, " Stand erect, head up ; and now relax your- 
self and you will gradually fall backward," putting your fingers 
near the back of the head, and repeat, "You are falling backward, 
falling, falling," and at the same time catch him if he does, so as 
not to let him fall. You may try him the same way standing in 
front of him. Then try any other simple thing with him, such as 
fastening his hands together, closing his fists, turning his hands 
around one another, and stiffening an arm or a leg by suggesting 
firmly that the arm is rigid, rigid, rigid ; you are not able to bend 
it; you can not bend it, you can not bend it; and the same way 
with his lower limbs. Intention on the part of the operator, 
unswerving determination, with a reticence and relaxation of the 
subject, makes a success of effect. Any and all suggestions are 
more effectual when made thus. No half-hearted doubtfulness 
will do. A firm and decided manner must be assumed and perfect 
submission on the part of the subject enjoined, and when you 
desire to wake subject, snap the fingers together and at the same 
time say, "Wake up, wake up; now you are wide awake." 

There are many books from responsible authors on this sub- 
ject, and if the reader desires to get the best, most concise, Dr. 
Pitzer's is what will amply fill the requirement. This department 
should be well studied and learned to be useful to the healer. 

The different manner by different schools and persons to 
produce hypnosis does not differ in the main features, so far as 
producing hypnosis is concerned, for all must, to be effectual, first 
get the consent of the subject, and be positive in suggestions to 
accomplish what is aimed at, the sub-conscious action, or agree- 
ment of the conscious mind to submit to what is suggested, and 
when that is the case, and the suggestion is persistently intensified, 
the effects desired may be confidently expected. The seances need 
not be over a half hour, nor be repeated oftener than once a day, 
(16) 



226 THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHAI,MOU>GY. 

except for specific results where essential ; but when the subject is 
once en rapport with the suggester, simply a command will be 
enough to secure subjection at once, and whatever is commanded 
will be complied with readily without difficulty, and as long as 
desirable, even for days and weeks, and the subject is absolutely 
controlled. 

MIND CONTROLS THE BODY. 

The writers on suggestion are wont to claim a conscious and 
a sub-conscious mind in the body. That is a conscious mind, the 
one that takes cognizance of what is going on, and is manifest 
through the five senses, and has control over things which are 
recognized by the senses ; instance, seeing, hearing, smelling, and 
tasting; that the conscious man confines itself to the nerves of 
sense, and the actions of the human being, voluntary muscles, and 
the things which are perceivable. The sub-conscious mind, they 
claim, has no sense, and does not reason, does not act only as it 
is suggested to, and yet it controls the body in so far as the vital 
forces are concerned, superintends the building up and repair of 
the body, and controls the every-day life of all that pertains to the 
forces of the body. This sub-conscious man, mind or force is a 
sort of retired force, and unconscious of anything that is going 
on in the body, and yet superintends every thought and action. 
Strange idea! 

We assume that these divisions are hypothetical and wholly 
imaginary, and that mind, simply mind, controls the body, and 
that it is always conscious of everything that is going on in every 
part of the body, and that the nervous system is the media through 
which the mind is conveyed to the remotest molecule in the human 
structure. The three nervous systems are so arranged that execu- 
tion and sympathy are at all times carried on throughout the great 
house the mind inhabits, and that the interference with the media 
through which mind is conveyed intercepts the communication, 
and a suspense of the orders follow. 

There could not be two minds controlling the body and have 
harmony throughout it, as is always the case when all of the nerve 
structure is in a healthy condition, when the lines are in order. 



THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHALMOLOGY. 22/ 

It is a fact that mind uses the physical organism to convey intel- 
ligence to all parts of its domain ; that when the physical is inter- 
fered with, the intelligence, the thought, is either cut off entirely 
or imperfectly executed from disturbance of the media through 
which execution is performed. This we know from the experience 
of all of the diseased conditions known to exist. No disease is 
known to exist anywhere in the body when all of the nervous 
system is in natural working order. There certainly does not 
appear to be a necessity for two minds. Simply because the sen- 
sory nerves do not manifest consciousness is no more a mystery 
than that the motor nerves do not manifest sensation. The mind 
controls the body, and it does so through its own media, the 
nervous system, and if so, has it not power to withhold sensation 
when it prefers, and run the physical forces, while the human sen- 
sibilities are unconscious, or even to render them immune from 
impressions? To conjure up any hypothesis that would subject a 
necessity for two minds seems wholly unnecessary, and an excess 
without a reason. That the nervous system is the media of com- 
munication, and not any part of the controlling influence, seems 
the only plausible hypothesis of control of mind over matter. 

SUGGESTION — HOW DOES IT AFFECT THE PHYSICAL ORGANISM? 

That a metamorphosis takes place in the physical organism 
all the time we have been thoroughly convinced. Any one may 
ascertain this fact by making a small notch near the matrix of 
either one of the finger nails, and observe its gradual growing out. 
That the body is constantly undergoing a state of change, being 
renewed day by day, is a proven proposition. What law regulates 
this metamorphosis, and how it is done, are questions of a pro- 
foundness little thought of by the masses. That such a condition 
should take place with absolute uniformity and unerring certainty 
presupposes an omnipotence somewhere. That such a change 
should go on at all times, whether we be conscious or unconscious 
of it, is a known fact ; but how it does it or is accomplished is 
the problem which we are seemingly least concerned about, and is 
almost wholly relegated to the unknowable That Deity rules all 



228 THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPH?HAI<MOI<OGY. 

his works in order, we only have to turn our eyes to the "starry 
decked heavens " to verify. 

When we turn to ourselves and look inward, and survey 
our frame, bones, muscles, brain, blood vessels, internal viscera, 
the various departments, glands, heart, and nervous systems, and 
digestive apparatus, and eliminative organs, and see the processes 
called functions carried on, we wonder how it does it, and what 
it is that does it. A thought conveyed through one or more of the 
five senses to the brain creates a desire ; that desire is manifested 
at some nerve center in the brain, expressed at the end of the 
filament emanating from the faculty center, conveyed to the end 
footlet of the filament, and there executed. If more than one 
faculty demands attention or is necessary to execute the message, 
others are notified through the sympathetic nerve filaments, and 
there is no delay in bringing all the forces required to execute the 
order. The same thing occurs in every department of the great 
cosmos, the human body. Order and harmony prevail. Whether 
this thought be made by suggestion and a necessity demands it, 
mind superintends every department, and all and every part 
receives the attention needed. 

The same thing occurs when disease pervades the body, but 
perhaps the faculty which superintends the particular part dis- 
eased is from some cause intercepted from communication with 
the particular locality over which it presides from pressure along 
the line of nerve filaments, and a suggestion is needed to call 
attention to the fact of negligence, due to communication being 
cut off, or deficiency of development of the faculty, there needs 
to be a suggestion to stimulate that particular faculty to activity. 
Repeated suggestions start the flow of blood to the faculty ; it is 
stimulated; execution begins at once. When we consider that 
faculties are strong or weak, according to their cultivation, the 
reader will readily comprehend how a strong faculty may divert 
the normal attention, and leave a part of the system with such 
scanty rations as to inharmonize the whole body in time. Sug- 
gestions often repeated and intensified are received by the faculty 
which has been derelict in duty, and the part which lacked is sup- 
plied, hence the good of suggestion. 



THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHALMOLOGY. 229 

Physical manipulations act the same way, but frequently from 
the other end of the line. Some nerve filaments may be unduly 
impressed and produce irritation at end filaments, and these irri- 
tate muscular tissue, and contractions ensue ; nerve filaments may 
be involved, and our manipulations, adjustments, free the impinge- 
ments, and harmony be restored. The nervous systems are so 
many tubes, wires of communication of thought, mind, and one 
who has anything like a clear idea of nerve origin and distribu- 
tion, and knows how to adjust or suggest, is certainly in a position 
to apply the principles enunciated herein. The mind, remem- 
ber, controls the body through nerve filaments as the media of 
transmission of the orders from headquarters 

A knowledge of phrenology becomes a leverage worth con- 
sidering in the execution of the means essential to harmonizing 
the body, for one can tell how the patient thinks, and as thought 
controls the individual, it becomes a necessity to know what he 
thinks, along what lines, so as to know what means to use to 
harmonize him. 

The constant use of a certain line (nerves) anywhere in the 
body exhausts the elements of lines, and necessitates a draft upon 
the general supply, and through continuous use of one set of lines 
the whole body may become involved in the loss from overdraft 
thereon. This is why it is essential to know how to "shut off the 
waste" and "rebuild the deficit," and keep it supplied, and con- 
stantly avert the leakage — keep the leakage stopped. From the 
foregoing one readily sees the necessity of understanding the 
various parts of man anatomically, physiologically, phrenologi- 
cally, and psychically, to be able to deal in an intelligent manner 
with his fellow man in the capacity of a healer. Medicine is not 
a necessary desideratum in what we term the healing art. To 
know how to stop leakage and adjust or harmonize the body with 
itself is all that we need to know to be healers in the true sense of 
the term. All this is embraced in this book, or suggested at least. 

"as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he." 

This was uttered by the wisest man we have any account of 
in all the history of the ages. If a man is not as he thinks, will 



23O THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHAI,MOU)GY. 

some wiser man than Solomon tell what he is? I am inclined to 
favor the sentiment of the maxim, and take it for granted that it 
is so. Tracing the development of character from infancy, and 
noting carefully the environments as well as the character of the 
suggestions given in a given case, it develops certain portions of 
the individual's head according as environments and suggestions 
have made their influence upon the person under consideration. 
If, for illustration, the child has had certain thoughts presented 
which intensified its destructiveness, firmness, acquisitiveness, 
secretiveness, constructiveness, combativeness, alimentiveness, and 
these alone, we find that individual fully bent on evil. No amount 
of influence exerted would prompt that individual to refrain from 
committing any sort of a crime that would best suit his purposes. 
But should his mind be directed to something different than what 
these faculties indicate, to conscientiousness, veneration, spirit- 
uality, cautiousness, philoprogenitiveness, conjugality, human 
natures, hope of a life beyond, individuality, causality, compari- 
son, ana! all these be fully developed, and an approbative sentiment 
inculcated with comparison, and the thoughts continually concen- 
trated along the lines indicated by all these faculties, leaving the 
first named as we left him, any one can see at a glance that there 
would be a modification of his character largely molded accord- 
ingly ; and in proportion as he thought along either of these lines 
would he be in action, in habit, in character. 

The science of phrenology certainly corroborates the truth- 
fulness of that maxim. No nation of people ever thought right 
all the time but what their every act was a model of human per- 
fection. No individual whose mind is constantly on the moral 
side of any course of conduct but what his conduct is conform- 
able thereto. Our thinking is as suggestion and force of circum- 
stances influence us, and early training along certain lines of 
thought makes the results accordingly. Forced suggestions along 
the various religious lines of thought make results as we see them 
around us daily. 

It is a maxim of considerable antiquity that says, "As a man 
thinketh in his heart, so is he," and I am inclined to favor the 
conclusion of the maxim, notwithstanding a "darky" may stand 




THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHALMOLOGY. 23 1 

in the pulpit and preach what "he thinks is gospel" ; yet if he 
has small conscientiousness, alimentativeness large, acquisitiveness 
large, and constructiveness full, woe be to the hen roost on his 
way home. Simply because his appetite was stronger than his 
conscientiousness and spirituality, and he thought it right for his 
appetite to be gratified, because his thoughts were stronger in that 
direction than in any other, and yet he might have been zealously 
religious. Notwithstanding certain traits lead all men and all 
people, every individual becomes responsible for the way his fac- 
ulties lead him, after he has been taught a higher law than human 
law. If there were no higher law than human law, there would 
be no standard of right in the world, for every one would be 
governed by faculty influence, and that would be his only guide ; 
then "might would be right" in every one's estimation. That 
state of things the history of the ages fully demonstrates, without 
argument. 

The Creator recognizing man's nature, and after mankind 
had demonstrated his inability to govern himself, he gave to him 
law. This was a rule of conduct for a certain purpose, that men 
might dwell together "in unity." Now comes the climax of all 
facultative uses, and that of the will is the only one addressed as 
regards assent and compliance with a rule of action. That faculty 
brought into obedience to the higher power was to make peace 
on earth among men, and the law must be of such a nature as 
to transform the individual, individually and nationally, into an 
image of the things expressed in the law, and make the obedient 
like the Lawgiver himself. So long as that state prevailed man 
walked honorably among men and had the approval of his Law- 
giver, God. All men even now are the image of the thing they 
think the most of ; that is, their lives conform more nearly to the 
way they think than any other way. 

The will power, firmness, properly enlightened, should be the 
ruling faculty of the "forty-two" in the make-up of human char- 
acter, for it brings all things into subjection we have to do with, 
and in whatever line we start out on. If we have a firmness suf- 
ficiently strong, we accomplish whatever is within the capability 
of man to do. 






232 



THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHALMOUDGY. 



We assume that if all individuals from infancy had environ- 
ments which would be conducive to the rounding out of all the 
faculties, and that if all had a pure standard of precepts, uncon- 
taminated with perverted nature, every avenue of life would be 
capable of the highest fulfillment, and a perfect harmony would 
exist from the incipiency of childhood to old age, and evil would 
not be known, for if "the child were brought up in the way he 
should go, he would not depart from it" — the way he should go 
This would so depopulate Satan's kingdom that it would finally 
fall for the want of subjects ; but that time is not likely to be 
ushered in while every man presumes to be " a law unto himself," 
and while the baser faculties predominate. If we know the "two 
ways," and the consequences of a trip on either, and choose to 
take either, who is responsible for the outcome? 

This is enough for one article, but I could not say less and 
say what I have said, enough, and have no room for apologies. 

A. P. Davis, M.D. 



BREATHING A NECESSITY. 



The breathing is done largely through the organs called the 
lungs. The spaces are called cells. These are six-sided pris- 
moidal openings, accessible at one side, and into these spaces or 
openings the air is received, which comes through the nostrils, 
and in these cells the oxygen of the atmosphere is received. The 
blood vessels are distributed throughout the lungs and surround 
all these cells, and the thin septum permits the carbonic acid to 
pass out and the oxygen to pass in. This process is a transfer- 
ence of the one element, oxygen, to the blood, and the carbonic 
acid from the blood, doing in this act what we denominate 
"purify" the blood. There are about seventy-six millions of these 
small cells in all of the five lobes of the lungs, and the blood can 
only be purified by oxygen, hence the necessity to breathe through 
all these air cells at all times, if we keep the blood pure. This is 
the most important act of our lives, and to live long and be well, 
we must breathe through all these cells without fail. A failure 
to do so means your blood is not purified as it should be — you 
are diseased. 

DEEP BREATHING. 

There are so many and varied notions about breathing that 
we are almost persuaded that many have forgotten that by 
breathing we "live, move, and have our being." 

The so-called scientific instructors in breathing have divided 
the exercise into three processes, or three methods, to-wit : Tho- 
racic, abdominal, and diaphragmatic. The truth is, there is but 
one way to breathe, and as breathing involves the diaphragm, 
stomach and thorax, an attempt to differentiate and emphasize 
one phenomenon more than the others savors of extreme ignorance 
of the instructor in physiology. Breathing properly means to fill 

(233) 



234 



THE SCIENCE OF NEUROOPHTHALMOLOGY. 




all the air cells, and this should be done every breath breathed, 
and the air should enter the trachea and pass out through it — 
through the nostrils every breath — and enough air inhaled every 
time to fill all of the air cells, for it requires this to "purify the 
blood." Nothing short of ttiis does it. Breathing should be done 
fully, naturally, and not otherwise. The special methods of 
inflating the lungs will be described as we proceed. 

That there is a necessity to breathe there can be no question, 
if one desires to live. It need not concern the intelligent as to 
what is said about "purifying the blood" by this or that com- 
pound; there is but one thing which can possibly purify blood, 
and that is oxygen. The organs of inspiration (the lungs) are 
adapted especially to the function of breathing, and there are 
about three score and sixteen million of spaces (cells) which are 
especially adapted to this process we call breathing, around which 
are distributed channels which carry the blood, and in these chan- 
nels the air, containing oxygen, is brought in contact with the 
blood as»it circulates throughout all the various cells in the lungs. 
The breathing, the reception of air in the cells, is a provision of 
nature, and whilst the air is passing through these cells an 
exchange of oxygen for carbonic oxide takes place, and the 
venous blood undergoes a change from a dark to a bright red 
color. In proportion to the extravasation of air throughout the 
lungs in these air cells we have the blood purified, hence the 
importance of filling every part of the lungs as often as one 
breathes. The intercostal muscles, together with all of the muscles 
of the chest and abdomen, are properly denominated "breathing 
muscles," which are concerned in expansion and contraction of the 
chest walls, hence Called " respiratory " and " expiratory " muscles, 

Having said this much, we desire to state that the breathing 
is a natural process, and one of the acts which demonstrate the 
actuality of life, for without breath there is no life. Ever since 
the first man, when "God breathed into his nostrils the breath of 
life and he became a living soul," to the last man born, and all 
along down the ages, man, to live, has had to breathe, to live. 
Seeing that breathing is of so much importance, we urge the 
necessity of knowing how. That man must breathe, and that he 



L^ 



THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHALMOIvOGY. 235 

must breathe air, being a settled question, and that air is the only 
thing essential to life, it becomes more interesting as we inves- 
tigate, for we are dependent upon this process for the conversion 
of the fluids of the body into a condition to make living tissue, to 
get rid of waste material, and renew the old as well ; and as all 
this must be done to perpetuate life, it becomes a matter of vital 
importance to all. 

There are many extravagant theories about breathing this 
and that way, but one thing has never been questioned : man must 
breathe to live. That to breathe is natural is a settled fact ; then 
the question comes up, Why do not all breathe naturally ? At first 
thought this may seem to be an easy problem to solve. That it is 
not solved is apparent and evident, for book after book has been 
written, and much difference is manifest as to how one ought to 
breathe. 

To simplify the manner and eliminate all superfluity of lan- 
guage in presenting the proper method of procedure in this all- 
important act, we submit the following, which we have found 
adequate to the purpose intended, the prolongation of our mortal 
existence. Having had about seventy years' experience along this 
line, it may be all the evidence needed to satisfy the most incred- 
ulous, and having had much experience in the enjoyments accruing 
from proper breathing, we proceed at once to instruct the reader 
in what we have found to be satisfactory, to us at least. For one 
of our years, one seeing our physique would be convinced that we 
have had a very satisfactory experience along this line, and that 
the probabilities seem favorable for our being able to breathe some 
time yet, and demonstrate the fact that there is something in the 
how to breathe to rightly perpetuate life, and at the same time be 
in a state we call health, simply from the fact that proper breathing 
has been the order of our life. 

The secret is that we have permitted the air of heaven to enter 
our lungs, without using any force to prevent it, or opposing the 
entrance by any forced position of body which had any opposition 
to the effort demanded by nature to fill the lungs with the air 
demanded. This is an act which every one ought to be strictly 
informed concerning, and always observe. We are aware of the 



2$6 THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHALMOLOGY. 

fact that many do not breathe properly — that is, fill all the air 
cells with air every breath — and that the nervous system, the 
spinal nervous system, is impinged, or interfered with in such a 
manner as to interfere with the action of the respiratory muscles, 
and absolutely prevent normal breathing. This should be duly 
considered, and no one should be expected to breathe naturally 
under such circumstances nor whilst in that condition. But all 
things being favorable, and the nervous system being free, all the 
muscles being properly supplied with normal nerve influence, we 
advise the individual to sit erect, being at all times unstrained, — 
that is, relaxed, — close the mouth, letting the air enter the lungs 
by way of the nostrils, inclined to straighten upward, and shoulders 
backward, and the lungs will fill with air, and the chest walls will 
expand; the diaphragm elevated and the shoulders bent slightly 
backward, and the chest walls inclined upward and forward. In 
this condition every air cell is filled with air. 

The expulsion of air is as much a natural process as its inflow, 
and should always be through the nostrils, avoiding that foolish 
habit of forcing the breath through the mouth. The Lord made 
the nostrils to breathe through, and for any sensible person to 
think of keeping half of one of God's commands is reprehensible. 
This is one of the most important subjects which can occupy 
mortals on earth. The Lord will attend to the breathing on the 
other shore, but here we shall have to do our own breathing or 
cease to remain here. 

That one can ward off disease, abort many incipient diseases, 
by breathing properly is a well settled fact. By long, deep inha- 
lations at oft repeated, short intervals one may relieve conditions 
which, if neglected, may result in almost any disease, such as 
colds, pleurisy, pneumonia, colic, or any other disease. Remem- 
ber that pure, oxygenated blood is essential to health, and that 
breathing purifies it. Standing erect, both feet flat on ground or 
floor, standing in an unstrained posture, erect, with arms hang- 
ing by the side, head erect, shoulders inclined backward slightly, 
mouth closed, now gently inhale until the lungs are filled with 
air ; hold this air in the chest ; now close fists tightly, stiffen every 
muscle in the body as rigidly as possible, draw the arms upwards, 



THE SCIENCE 0E NEURO-OPHTHALMOLOGY. 237 

bending the elbows, drawing them upward and backward as far 
as you can, then all at once let the arms be thrust downward with 
considerable force, and at the same time letting the air go out of 
the lungs through the nostrils. This may be done four or five 
times at one sitting. The last process is one of immense impor- 
tance, for it is applicable in the promotion of a free flow of blood 
to the lungs, and hence its purification, and it warms up the whole 
body. Sitting erect, or standing either, straightening up, closing 
the mouth, inhaling through the nostrils, and letting the air be 
forced out suddenly through the nostrils, is a means of relieving 
many conditions called disease that will surprise one who never 
tried it. Five or six times at a sitting will be amply sufficient for 
any case or condition, but may be repeated at intervals of one to 
three or four or more hours apart. 

To relieve one's self of the blues, fear, melancholy, or 
despondency, take in long, deep breaths, and then force the air 
against the diaphragm, repeating this five times, and all such diffi- 
culties cease at once. This is easy to do, if you will incline to 
force the abdomen down as well as out whilst the air is being 
forced out through the nostrils. This is worth millions to the 
human race, and is the greatest boon ever given to the public. 
Remember that it is your privilege to breathe, and you may enjoy 
all its benefits if you have a mind to just reach forth and take it. 
It is your privilege to "occupy the land" if you will, and health, 
happiness and prosperity will be yours while you live. 

THE KEY TO LONG AND HAPPY UFE. 

Never satiate the appetite with food, and only eat the kind of 
food which agrees with you. 

Avoid much cold water or cold drinks. Avoid too much 
exposure to wind or sunshine. Take moderate exercise, and 
breathe throughout the lungs. 

Eat but few articles of food at one meal, and avoid worry, 
anxiety, and excesses at all times. Be temperate at all times. 
Love God and keep his commandments, and length of days, with 
unalloyed happiness, will be yours to enjoy in this life, and the 
assurance of eternal life when done with earth. 



MAGNETIC HEALING. 



That there is a power within man which correlates itself with 
his fellow man is commonly believed, and we are wont to call that 
power magnetism, and recognize it as in some way connected with 
our physical relationship as a positive and negative force, and 
having to do with harmonizing or inharmonizing, or both, with 
ourselves individually, as well as attracting or repelling individ- 
uals, and through one person controlling or modifying the actions 
and conditions, relations, and state of others. It, like all things not 
understood, has engaged the attention and dominated the thought, 
to a greater or less extent, through all the ages, and has been 
utilize^ as a curative agent of the various affections of humanity 
for all time. 

Some have called it "inherent electric force," some recognize 
it as a sort of "magic power." Like electricity, its power is lim- 
ited only by the media through which it is sent, and the quantity, 
the measure, used. It is capable of being generated, multiplied, to 
any degree, and so directed as to produce effects almost, if not 
absolutely, as desired. That there is a magic in it, about it — a 
magical power in it — the one at all informed of its effects readily 
admits, and often stands aghast in profound surprise in the pres- 
ence of its effects upon human beings, for the deaf have been 
made to hear, the blind to see, the dumb to speak, and the lame 
to leap as a hart, from its application through the hands of the 
one imparting it ! No force is able to resist it, for it passes unmo- 
lested through any and all substances, and has been the convenient 
messenger sent on missions of mercy across sea and land to abodes 
far remote to bless, soothe and fan the fevered brow and make 
glad the lonely exile. It fills all space, penetrates all substances, 
and may be used as the messenger on all errands, for weal or woe. 

The withered limb and the aching head have alike been 
(238) 



the science; of neuro-ophthalmology. 239 

soothed to tranquillity through the benign influence of this potent 
agency, the most diffusely spread over all nature, and yet the 
least understood and, because so common, least utilized, the world 
always looking for help in things containing no power, and only 
effective through this wonderfully mysterious agency. It baffles 
all skill, puts to silence all pretenses, and silently does its work 
nevertheless. 

The application of this mighty force may be made at any 
time, on all occasions, and for all mental or physical conditions, 
and its influence directed to the cure of all diseases. Whatever 
other agencies are being used, this applied outweighs them all in 
satisfying results, for whatever measure used, this, though not 
considered, has its influence pro or con, and a disregard to or 
ignorance of changes not the facts in the case! An influence 
which can be felt, one which can be directed to any locality, and 
which can be forced into the human body by the "laying on of 
the hands," the pointing of the fingers to a given locality, or sent 
in fragile substances for hundreds of miles, and have the potency 
to relieve pain, should not be ignored. That it may be abused, 
unintelligently directed, misapplied, argues not against its merits. 
To be able to utilize such an agency for good and intelligently 
should be the desire of all people, to a limited extent at least, 
and scientifically by all pretended healers. It is always convenient, 
always present, always applicable, under all circumstances. 

The two forces are recognized in the application of this power, 
the positive and negative. It may be applied in large or small 
quantities, slowly or rapidly, painfully or soothingly. The Neu- 
ropathist may use it, the Osteopath need not ignore it, and the 
Masseur should regard it as essential in his manipulations ; the 
mother uses it to soothe her restless infant, and tranquillity reigns 
wherever its benign influence is diffused. That it can be used to 
the betterment of humanity is apparent to all who will consider, 
reason, think, study, observe. It may be applied suggestively, 
thoughtfully, and materially ; so its convenience is admitted. That 
we use it in every-day life, ignorantly, no doubt, in most instances, 
is unquestionable. It may be disregarded as a potent agent in the 
healing art by many, but the fact remains as incontrovertible as 
that fire burns, that it has its influence, and that a mighty influ- 



240 THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHALMOLOGY. 

ence. Those who have spent their entire professional lives apply- 
/ ing it are some of the worlds best healers, and it grows in favor 
I as it is more known in any community, among all classes. 

It is stated by good authority that ninety-nine per cent, of the 
ills of humanity can be readily relieved by the use of and proper 
application of this wonderful agency, magnetism. Headache in 
every form is relieved within a few minutes by its application, and 
may be cured by a few applications. Goiter, a condition of the 
thyroid glands, characterized by hardness, enlargement, engorge- 
ment of venous blood, and deposits of detritus from impeded 
venous blood, yields readily to a few treatments of the magnetic 
healer. Paralysis, locomotor ataxia, tumors, liver, kidney, and 
all other affections, have been seen to suage by this influence. 
Constipation is readily relieved and cured by its influence. Uterine 
troubles, ovarian as well, have no power to resist the influence of 
magnetism? Liver, spleen and lung affections are amenable to it 
Asthma, hay fever, nervous affections of every form and variety, 
are curable by it. So we have a means always at hand to relieve 
suffering humanity, if they will only avail themselves of it in time, 
before the "limit angle" is reached. 

To apply this force we must use the hands. The right hand 
should be considered as the media through which the positive force 
is applied, and the left hand the negative. If we understand that 
pain is driven from the right hand to the left, we should place the 
right hand over the painful spot and the left hand opposite ; we at 
once influence the character of the pain. It is driven towards the 
left hand, the negative, and neutralized. In all the treatment we 
should never fail to use the positive hand over the pain and the 
left hand directly opposite, and should use the right hand in a 
quivering motion over the locality from whence we desire the pain 
! or disease to go. 

When we wish to fill the subject with the magnetic power, 
we should point our closed fingers to that spot, either against or 
very close to the part, holding them there for a few seconds. The 
vibrations of the right hand seem to be effectual in influencing the 
parts in all the treatments given everywhere. Holding the hands 






THE SCIENCE OP NEURO-OPHTHALMOLOGY. 241 

of the patient is a potent means of imparting to them the magnetic 
power, taking their right hand with the left, and vice versa. 

HOW TO PLACE THE HANDS 

Let the operator be seated in front of the patient, taking hold 
of the hands, right in patient's left, and left in patient's right, 
thumbs pressing gently between the third and fourth knuckles, on 
ulnar nerve, gently for a few seconds ; willing an influence from 
the right hand (of operator, of course) to pass the entire circuit 
of the hands, and the influence will be felt by patient very readily ; 
then place the fingers of the left hand at back of the neck, at the 
base of the brain of the patient, thumb on one side of and fingers 
on other side of spinous processes, gently pressing and holding 
position with left hand, and with the right hand or fingers vibrate 
anywhere else where there is pain or disease for a few seconds or 
moments, changing the position of the left hand along the spine, 
as the front parts of the body are being treated by the right hand, 
with the vibratory movements. 

The treatment of goiter may be done by operator standing 
behind patient and treating with both hands, using right hand on 
right side and left on left side, pulling both backward, over and 
outward over shoulders. 



The foregoing additions to Neuropathy and Ophthalmology 
are for the purpose of showing the various relationships of mind 
in all that pertains to the well-being of humanity. That every 
avenue is reachable, we feel assured we have shown, and have only 
to add that if the directions given in this book are strictly and 
understandingly carried out, the results will be as stated. That a 
mighty revolution will follow we firmly believe, and oncoming 
ages will appreciate the practicability of this philosophy we feel 
assured, and that these principles rightly applied will be a boon to 
suffering humanity we as firmly believe. With due regards for 
the amelioration of human suffering through these means, we 
(17) 



242 



THE SCIENCE OF NEURO-OPHTHAI^MOIyOGY. 






commend a careful and impartial consideration of this book and 
its contents, and that it may be found even better than we have 
depicted and tried to explain, we commend what it contains to all 
who are searching for truth and a better way to be cured than 
through unnatural means. 

Respectfully submitted by 

£he Author. 






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